Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 vs Caol Ila 37 Year Old 1981 (cask 3245) - Rare Master's Collection (Mackillop's Choice)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Highland Park
★ 5.00
£999
Caol Ila 37 Year Old 1981 (cask 3245) - Rare Master's Collection (Mackillop's Choice)
Caol Ila
£1200
| Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 | Caol Ila 37 Year Old 1981 (cask 3245) - Rare Master's Collection (Mackillop's Choice) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Highland Park | Caol Ila |
| Region | Island | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.1% | 56.1% |
| Age | 30 yr | 37 yr |
| Price | £999 | £1200 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Caol Ila 37 Year Old 1981 (cask 3245) - Rare Master's Collection (Mackillop's Choice)
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Caol Ila 37 Year Old 1981 (cask 3245) - Rare Master's Collection (Mackillop's Choice)
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 £1200.
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)
- +More affordable (£999 vs £1200)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Caol Ila 37 Year Old 1981 (cask 3245) - Rare Master's Collection (Mackillop's Choice)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (37 vs 30 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1200 vs £999)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 Caol?
Caol Ila 37 Year Old 1981 (cask 3245) - Rare Master's Collection (Mackillop's Choice) 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
Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Only Caol Ila 37 Year Old 1981 (cask 3245) - Rare Master's Collection (Mackillop's Choice)