Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007) vs Highland Park 40 Year Old

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

Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007)Highland Park 40 Year Old
DistilleryLagavulinHighland Park
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%48.3%
Age21 yr40 yr
Price£2999£2995
Rating5.00/54.88/5

Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner25/100
Value2/100

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner55/100
Value2/100

Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.88).

Highland Park 40 Year Old is better value at £2995 vs £2999.

For beginners: Highland Park 40 Year Old is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£2999 vs £2995)

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +More affordable (£2995 vs £2999)
  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 21 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007) 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 40 Year Old 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

SherriedOld Wood

Only Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2007)

SmokeyCooked FruitLeathery

Only Highland Park 40 Year Old

TobaccoDried Fruit

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