Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 vs Laphroaig 23 Year Old 1989 Vintage

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

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019Laphroaig 23 Year Old 1989 Vintage
DistilleryHighland ParkLaphroaig
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV45.7%48.9%
Age25 yr23 yr
Price£799£999
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner65/100
Value6/100

Laphroaig 23 Year Old 1989 Vintage

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 23 Year Old 1989 Vintage

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 is better value at £799 vs £999.

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

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Laphroaig 23 Year Old 1989 Vintage

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£999 vs £799)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 23 Year Old 1989 Vintage suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019

SherriedHoneyDried Fruit

Only Laphroaig 23 Year Old 1989 Vintage

MedicinalKipperyLeathery

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