Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) vs Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

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

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
DistilleryDalwhinnieHighland Park
RegionHighlandIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.8%55%
Age25 yr12 yr
Price£331.43£299
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner55/100
Value15/100

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value17/100

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is better value at £299 vs £331.

For beginners: Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£331.43 vs £299)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £331.43)

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water

Who should buy Dalwhinnie?

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus 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

HoneyMalt ExtractToasted

Only Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

VanillaFresh Fruit

Only Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

Smokey

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