Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) vs Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 375) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

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

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 375) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
DistilleryMortlachHighland Park
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.9%46%
Age13 yr28 yr
Price£150£179.23
Rating5.00/5

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner35/100
Value33/100

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 375) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 375) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) is better value at £150 vs £179.

For beginners: Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 375) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£150 vs £179.23)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 375) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 13 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£179.23 vs £150)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) 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 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 375) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) 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

Toasted

Only Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

VanillaNew WoodMalt Extract

Only Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 375) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

SherriedOld WoodHoneySmokeyDried Fruit

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