Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

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

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)
DistilleryHighland ParkDalwhinnie
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.2%48.8%
Age26 yr25 yr
Price£343.95£331.43
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value15/100

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner55/100
Value15/100

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) is better value at £331 vs £344.

For beginners: Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 25 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£343.95 vs £331.43)

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£331.43 vs £343.95)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Dalwhinnie?

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

HoneyToasted

Only Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyOld Wood

Only Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

VanillaMalt ExtractFresh Fruit

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