Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Highland Park 17 Year Old - John Rae Arctic Explorer

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

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Highland Park 17 Year Old - John Rae Arctic Explorer
DistilleryHighland ParkHighland Park
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.2%54.8%
Age26 yr17 yr
Price£343.95£250
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Highland Park 17 Year Old - John Rae Arctic Explorer

Smoke68/100
Sweetness52/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 17 Year Old - John Rae Arctic Explorer

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 17 Year Old - John Rae Arctic Explorer is better value at £250 vs £344.

For beginners: Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (35/100 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 17 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£343.95 vs £250)

Highland Park 17 Year Old - John Rae Arctic Explorer

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£250 vs £343.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Highland?

Highland Park 17 Year Old - John Rae Arctic Explorer 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

SmokeyHoneyToasted

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

Old Wood

Only Highland Park 17 Year Old - John Rae Arctic Explorer

Fresh FruitMedicinal

Explore more