Highland Park 17 Year Old 2007 (cask 5358) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007)

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

Highland Park 17 Year Old 2007 (cask 5358) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007)
DistilleryHighland ParkRosebank
RegionIslandLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.9%61.4%
Age17 yr25 yr
Price£141.5£173.95
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 17 Year Old 2007 (cask 5358) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
Value29/100

Highland Park 17 Year Old 2007 (cask 5358) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 17 Year Old 2007 (cask 5358) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £142 vs £174.

For beginners: Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 17 Year Old 2007 (cask 5358) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£141.5 vs £173.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (59.9%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 17 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (61.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£173.95 vs £141.5)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 17 Year Old 2007 (cask 5358) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Rosebank?

Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007) 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 Highland Park 17 Year Old 2007 (cask 5358) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedSmokeyHoneyDried FruitToasted

Only Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007)

VanillaOld WoodMalt ExtractHay-likeFresh Fruit

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