Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) vs Highland Park 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13083) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)Highland Park 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13083) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryBanffHighland Park
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV41.8%51.9%
Age36 yr21 yr
Price£265.32£314.5
Rating5.00/5

Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner70/100
Value19/100

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13083) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13083) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) is better value at £265 vs £315.

For beginners: Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£265.32 vs £314.5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13083) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (51.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£314.5 vs £265.32)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Banff?

Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13083) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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

Only Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)

Old WoodLeatheryTobaccoMalt ExtractNutty

Only Highland Park 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13083) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokeySherriedToastedHoney

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