Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 vs SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019
Highland Park
★ 5.00
£799
SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky
Balmenach
£750
| Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 | SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Highland Park | Balmenach |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 45.7% | 40% |
| Age | 25 yr | NAS |
| Price | £799 | £750 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019
SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky
Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019
SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky
Quick verdict
Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky is better value at £750 vs £799.
For beginners: Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£799 vs £750)
SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky
Pros
- +More affordable (£750 vs £799)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 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 SMWS?
SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Only Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019
Only SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky