Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) vs Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£1500
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Highland Park
★ 5.00
£999
| Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) | Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Highland Park |
| Region | — | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51.2% | 48.1% |
| Age | 40 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £1500 | £999 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Quick verdict
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is better value at £999 vs £1500.
For beginners: Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 30 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (51.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1500 vs £999)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£999 vs £1500)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (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 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Where to buy
Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange