Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 vs Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Highland Park
★ 5.00
£999
Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask
Balvenie
£795
| Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 | Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Highland Park | Balvenie |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.1% | 46% |
| Age | 30 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £999 | £795 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask
Quick verdict
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask is better value at £795 vs £999.
For beginners: Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
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 20 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£999 vs £795)
Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£795 vs £999)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy Balvenie?
Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Only Balvenie 20 Year Old 1972 (cask 14732) - First Cask