The Macallan 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 15149) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) vs Highland Park 40 Year Old

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

The Macallan 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 15149) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)Highland Park 40 Year Old
DistilleryThe MacallanHighland Park
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV42.3%48.3%
Age31 yr40 yr
Price£2999.95£2995
Rating4.88/5

The Macallan 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 15149) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 40 Year Old

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

The Macallan 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 15149) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

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: The Macallan 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 15149) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

The Macallan 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 15149) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£2999.95 vs £2995)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
  • +More affordable (£2995 vs £2999.95)
  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 31 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy The?

The Macallan 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 15149) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside 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

Both taste of

SherriedOld WoodDried Fruit

Only The Macallan 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 15149) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

ChocolateNutty

Only Highland Park 40 Year Old

Tobacco

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