Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark vs Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

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

Highland Park 17 Year Old - The DarkPittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
DistilleryHighland ParkPittyvaich
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.9%43%
Age17 yr12 yr
Price£299£350
Rating4.89/55.00/5

Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
Value16/100

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner70/100
Value14/100

Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.89).

Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark is better value at £299 vs £350.

For beginners: Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £350)
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (52.9%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£350 vs £299)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark 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 Pittyvaich?

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Dark

SherriedSmokeyOld WoodDried FruitChocolate

Only Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

ToastedVanillaHoneyMalt ExtractNutty

Explore more