Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release) vs Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
Highland Park
£235
Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005
Hakushu
★ 4.33
£199
| Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release) | Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Highland Park | Hakushu |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 43.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £234.5 | £199 |
| Rating | — | 4.33/5 |
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005
Quick verdict
Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005 is rated higher (4.33 vs 0.00).
Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005 is better value at £199 vs £235.
For beginners: Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£234.5 vs £199)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.3)
Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.3/5)
- +More affordable (£199 vs £234.5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release) 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 Hakushu?
Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
Only Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005