Highland Park 25 Year Old 1997 (cask 20027) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Highland Park 25 Year Old 1997 (cask 20027) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryHighland ParkMortlach
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.7%57%
Age25 yr26 yr
Price£514.95£383.95
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 25 Year Old 1997 (cask 20027) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner35/100
Value13/100

Highland Park 25 Year Old 1997 (cask 20027) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £384 vs £515.

For beginners: Highland Park 25 Year Old 1997 (cask 20027) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 25 Year Old 1997 (cask 20027) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£514.95 vs £383.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£383.95 vs £514.95)
  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 25 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 25 Year Old 1997 (cask 20027) - 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.

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

ToastedOld Wood

Only Highland Park 25 Year Old 1997 (cask 20027) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyTobacco

Only Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

HoneyVanillaMalt Extract

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