Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus vs Suntory 1981 Kioke Shikomi
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
Highland Park
★ 5.00
£299
Suntory 1981 Kioke Shikomi
Hakushu
£375
| Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus | Suntory 1981 Kioke Shikomi | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Highland Park | Hakushu |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £299 | £375 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
Suntory 1981 Kioke Shikomi
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
Suntory 1981 Kioke Shikomi
Quick verdict
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is better value at £299 vs £375.
For beginners: Suntory 1981 Kioke Shikomi is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£299 vs £375)
Cons
- −High ABV (55%) — may need water
Suntory 1981 Kioke Shikomi
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£375 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Who should buy Suntory?
Suntory 1981 Kioke Shikomi suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
Only Suntory 1981 Kioke Shikomi