Booker's True Barrel Bourbon (Batch 2024-01E) vs Highland Park 17 Year Old 2007 (cask 5358) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Booker's True Barrel Bourbon (Batch 2024-01E)Highland Park 17 Year Old 2007 (cask 5358) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryBooker'sHighland Park
RegionIsland
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV62.4%59.9%
Age7 yr17 yr
Price£84.95£141.5
Rating4.70/5

Booker's True Barrel Bourbon (Batch 2024-01E)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness70/100
Beginner55/100
Value55/100

Highland Park 17 Year Old 2007 (cask 5358) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Booker's True Barrel Bourbon (Batch 2024-01E)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 17 Year Old 2007 (cask 5358) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Booker's True Barrel Bourbon (Batch 2024-01E) is rated higher (4.70 vs 0.00).

Booker's True Barrel Bourbon (Batch 2024-01E) is better value at £85 vs £142.

For beginners: Booker's True Barrel Bourbon (Batch 2024-01E) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Booker's True Barrel Bourbon (Batch 2024-01E)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
  • +More affordable (£84.95 vs £141.5)

Cons

  • High ABV (62.4%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Highland Park 17 Year Old 2007 (cask 5358) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 7 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (59.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£141.5 vs £84.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.7)

Who should buy Booker's?

Booker's True Barrel Bourbon (Batch 2024-01E) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 17 Year Old 2007 (cask 5358) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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

Only Booker's True Barrel Bourbon (Batch 2024-01E)

VanillaMalt Extract

Only Highland Park 17 Year Old 2007 (cask 5358) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedSmokeyHoneyDried FruitToasted

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