Highland Park 40 Year Old vs Ardbeg 36 Year Old / Douglas Laing 60th Anniversary / Old Malt Cask Islay Whisky

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

Highland Park 40 Year OldArdbeg 36 Year Old / Douglas Laing 60th Anniversary / Old Malt Cask Islay Whisky
DistilleryHighland ParkArdbeg
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV48.3%40%
Age40 yrNAS
Price£2995£3500
Rating4.88/5

Highland Park 40 Year Old

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

Ardbeg 36 Year Old / Douglas Laing 60th Anniversary / Old Malt Cask Islay Whisky

Smoke63/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg 36 Year Old / Douglas Laing 60th Anniversary / Old Malt Cask Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 40 Year Old is rated higher (4.88 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 40 Year Old is better value at £2995 vs £3500.

For beginners: Ardbeg 36 Year Old / Douglas Laing 60th Anniversary / Old Malt Cask Islay Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
  • +More affordable (£2995 vs £3500)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ardbeg 36 Year Old / Douglas Laing 60th Anniversary / Old Malt Cask Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£3500 vs £2995)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)

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.

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 36 Year Old / Douglas Laing 60th Anniversary / Old Malt Cask Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old WoodDried Fruit

Only Highland Park 40 Year Old

SherriedTobacco

Only Ardbeg 36 Year Old / Douglas Laing 60th Anniversary / Old Malt Cask Islay Whisky

SmokeyLeatheryCoal-gas

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