Bell's Royal Reserve 20 Year Old / Bot.1970s Blended Scotch Whisky vs Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bell's Royal Reserve 20 Year Old / Bot.1970s Blended Scotch Whisky
Bell's
£225
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
Highland Park
★ 5.00
£299
| Bell's Royal Reserve 20 Year Old / Bot.1970s Blended Scotch Whisky | Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bell's | Highland Park |
| Region | — | Island |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 55% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £225 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bell's Royal Reserve 20 Year Old / Bot.1970s Blended Scotch Whisky
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
Bell's Royal Reserve 20 Year Old / Bot.1970s Blended Scotch Whisky
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
Quick verdict
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bell's Royal Reserve 20 Year Old / Bot.1970s Blended Scotch Whisky is better value at £225 vs £299.
For beginners: Bell's Royal Reserve 20 Year Old / Bot.1970s Blended Scotch Whisky is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Bell's Royal Reserve 20 Year Old / Bot.1970s Blended Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£225 vs £299)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £225)
Who should buy Bell's?
Bell's Royal Reserve 20 Year Old / Bot.1970s Blended Scotch Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus 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 Bell's Royal Reserve 20 Year Old / Bot.1970s Blended Scotch Whisky
Only Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus