Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2004) vs Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2004)
Caol Ila
£999
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Highland Park
★ 5.00
£999
| Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2004) | Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Highland Park |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.4% | 48.1% |
| Age | 25 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £999 | £999 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2004)
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2004)
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Quick verdict
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is better value at £999 vs £999.
For beginners: Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2004)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 25 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2004) 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 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 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
Only Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2004)
Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Where to buy
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1978 (Special Release 2004)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange