Ardbeg 1974 / 18 Year Old / Cask #3345 / La Reserve Islay Whisky vs Highland Park 40 Year Old

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Ardbeg 1974 / 18 Year Old / Cask #3345 / La Reserve Islay WhiskyHighland Park 40 Year Old
DistilleryArdbegHighland Park
RegionIsland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%48.3%
AgeNAS40 yr
Price£3000£2995
Rating4.88/5

Ardbeg 1974 / 18 Year Old / Cask #3345 / La Reserve Islay Whisky

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner55/100
Value2/100

Ardbeg 1974 / 18 Year Old / Cask #3345 / La Reserve Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 40 Year Old is rated higher (4.88 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 40 Year Old is better value at £2995 vs £3000.

For beginners: Ardbeg 1974 / 18 Year Old / Cask #3345 / La Reserve Islay Whisky is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 1974 / 18 Year Old / Cask #3345 / La Reserve Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£3000 vs £2995)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
  • +More affordable (£2995 vs £3000)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 1974 / 18 Year Old / Cask #3345 / La Reserve Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 40 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Only Ardbeg 1974 / 18 Year Old / Cask #3345 / La Reserve Islay Whisky

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyOily

Only Highland Park 40 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedTobaccoDried Fruit

Explore more