Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s vs Highland Park 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12204) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970sHighland Park 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12204) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryBarton BrandsHighland Park
RegionIsland
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%47%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£180£249.49
Rating5.00/5

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value28/100

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12204) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12204) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is better value at £180 vs £249.

For beginners: Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12204) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£249.49 vs £180)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Barton's?

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12204) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

ToastedVanillaTobaccoHoneyOily

Only Highland Park 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 12204) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Old WoodSmokeyMedicinal

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