Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) - vs Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) -
Douglas Laing
£225
Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Highland Park
★ 5.00
£210
| Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) - | Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Douglas Laing | Highland Park |
| Region | — | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.2% | 57.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 24 yr |
| Price | £225 | £209.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) -
Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) -
Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £210 vs £225.
For beginners: Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) -
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£225 vs £209.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.5%) — may need water
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - 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.
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) -
Only Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)