Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Strathmill 25 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2014)

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

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Strathmill 25 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2014)
DistilleryHighland ParkStrathmill
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.2%52.4%
Age26 yr25 yr
Price£343.95£267.61
Rating5.00/52.50/5

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

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

Strathmill 25 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2014)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness37/100
Beginner40/100
Value9/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Strathmill 25 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2014)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 2.50).

Strathmill 25 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2014) is better value at £268 vs £344.

For beginners: Strathmill 25 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2014) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 25 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£343.95 vs £267.61)

Strathmill 25 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2014)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£267.61 vs £343.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52.4%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (2.5 vs 5.0)
  • 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 Strathmill?

Strathmill 25 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2014) 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

Old WoodToasted

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

SmokeyHoney

Only Strathmill 25 Year Old 1988 (Special Release 2014)

NuttyDried Fruit

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