Highland Park 18 Year Old 1997 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) vs Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Highland Park 18 Year Old 1997 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Highland Park
£190
Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007)
Rosebank
★ 5.00
£174
| Highland Park 18 Year Old 1997 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) | Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Highland Park | Rosebank |
| Region | Island | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.6% | 61.4% |
| Age | 18 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £189.79 | £173.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Highland Park 18 Year Old 1997 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007)
Highland Park 18 Year Old 1997 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007)
Quick verdict
Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007) is better value at £174 vs £190.
For beginners: Highland Park 18 Year Old 1997 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Highland Park 18 Year Old 1997 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£189.79 vs £173.95)
- −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)
- +More affordable (£173.95 vs £189.79)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 18 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (61.4%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 18 Year Old 1997 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) 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 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
Both taste of
Only Highland Park 18 Year Old 1997 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Only Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007)