Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid) vs Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid)Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryCragganmoreHighland Park
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%50.2%
Age21 yr26 yr
Price£250£343.95
Rating5.00/5

Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value15/100

Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid) is better value at £250 vs £344.

For beginners: Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£250 vs £343.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£343.95 vs £250)

Who should buy Cragganmore?

Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid) 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 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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

ToastedOld Wood

Only Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

SherriedDried FruitTobacco

Only Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyHoney

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