Arran 28 Year Old 1997 (Cask 97/176) - The Single Cask vs Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Arran 28 Year Old 1997 (Cask 97/176) - The Single CaskHighland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryArranHighland Park
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.7%50.2%
Age28 yr26 yr
Price£291.95£343.95
Rating5.00/5

Arran 28 Year Old 1997 (Cask 97/176) - The Single Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value15/100

Arran 28 Year Old 1997 (Cask 97/176) - The Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Arran 28 Year Old 1997 (Cask 97/176) - The Single Cask is better value at £292 vs £344.

For beginners: Arran 28 Year Old 1997 (Cask 97/176) - The Single Cask is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Arran 28 Year Old 1997 (Cask 97/176) - The Single Cask

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£291.95 vs £343.95)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 26 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (50.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£343.95 vs £291.95)

Who should buy Arran?

Arran 28 Year Old 1997 (Cask 97/176) - The Single Cask 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 Highland?

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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

Old WoodHoney

Only Arran 28 Year Old 1997 (Cask 97/176) - The Single Cask

SherriedVanillaDried Fruit

Only Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyToasted

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