Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Arran 21 Year Old (Inaugural 2018 Release)

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

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Arran 21 Year Old (Inaugural 2018 Release)
DistilleryHighland ParkArran
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.2%46%
Age26 yr21 yr
Price£343.95£250
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Arran 21 Year Old (Inaugural 2018 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner60/100
Value20/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Arran 21 Year Old (Inaugural 2018 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Arran 21 Year Old (Inaugural 2018 Release) is better value at £250 vs £344.

For beginners: Arran 21 Year Old (Inaugural 2018 Release) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 21 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 £250)

Arran 21 Year Old (Inaugural 2018 Release)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£250 vs £343.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

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 Arran?

Arran 21 Year Old (Inaugural 2018 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

HoneyOld WoodToasted

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

Smokey

Only Arran 21 Year Old (Inaugural 2018 Release)

Fresh FruitVanilla

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