Highland Park 12 Year Old - 1990s vs Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.2 Marsala Cask

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

Highland Park 12 Year Old - 1990sTeeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.2 Marsala Cask
DistilleryHighland ParkTeeling
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%46%
Age12 yr21 yr
Price£199£175.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Highland Park 12 Year Old - 1990s

Smoke64/100
Sweetness88/100
Beginner75/100
Value25/100

Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.2 Marsala Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value28/100

Highland Park 12 Year Old - 1990s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.2 Marsala Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.2 Marsala Cask is better value at £176 vs £199.

For beginners: Highland Park 12 Year Old - 1990s is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 12 Year Old - 1990s

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£199 vs £175.95)

Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.2 Marsala Cask

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£175.95 vs £199)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 12 Year Old - 1990s is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Teeling?

Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.2 Marsala Cask suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Highland Park 12 Year Old - 1990s

SmokeyHoneyOld WoodVanilla

Only Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No.2 Marsala Cask

SherriedDried FruitCooked FruitChocolate

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