Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 vs Craigellachie 22 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts

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

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013Craigellachie 22 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts
DistilleryHighland ParkCraigellachie
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.1%60.2%
Age30 yr22 yr
Price£999£799
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

Craigellachie 22 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Craigellachie 22 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Craigellachie 22 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts is better value at £799 vs £999.

For beginners: Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is more approachable (45/100 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 22 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£999 vs £799)

Craigellachie 22 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts

Pros

  • +More affordable (£799 vs £999)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (60.2%) — may need water
  • 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 Craigellachie?

Craigellachie 22 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts 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

Both taste of

HoneyToastedOld Wood

Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokeyDried Fruit

Only Craigellachie 22 Year Old 1973 - Rare Malts

Malt ExtractLeathery

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