Caol Ila 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #12496 Islay Whisky vs Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019

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

Caol Ila 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #12496 Islay WhiskyHighland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019
DistilleryCaol IlaHighland Park
RegionIsland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%45.7%
AgeNAS25 yr
Price£600£799
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #12496 Islay Whisky

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019

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

Caol Ila 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #12496 Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Caol Ila 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #12496 Islay Whisky is better value at £600 vs £799.

For beginners: Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #12496 Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£600 vs £799)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

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

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

  • More expensive (£799 vs £600)

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #12496 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Caol Ila 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #12496 Islay Whisky

KipperyOld WoodMedicinal

Only Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019

SherriedHoneyDried Fruit

Explore more