Caol Ila 25 Year Old vs Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Caol Ila 25 Year OldHighland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryCaol IlaHighland Park
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%57.5%
Age25 yr24 yr
Price£299£209.95
Rating4.18/55.00/5

Caol Ila 25 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner60/100
Value14/100

Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness73/100
Beginner40/100
Value24/100

Caol Ila 25 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.18).

Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £210 vs £299.

For beginners: Caol Ila 25 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 25 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 24 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£299 vs £209.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.2 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 Caol?

Caol Ila 25 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

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

HoneySmokey

Only Caol Ila 25 Year Old

CitricFresh Fruit

Only Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SherriedOld Wood

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