Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) vs Highland Park 18 Year Old / Bot.1990s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)Highland Park 18 Year Old / Bot.1990s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryDalwhinnieHighland Park
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV48.8%40%
Age25 yrNAS
Price£331.43£375
Rating5.00/5

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

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

Highland Park 18 Year Old / Bot.1990s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 18 Year Old / Bot.1990s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) is better value at £331 vs £375.

For beginners: Highland Park 18 Year Old / Bot.1990s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£331.43 vs £375)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Highland Park 18 Year Old / Bot.1990s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£375 vs £331.43)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 18 Year Old / Bot.1990s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Honey

Only Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

VanillaMalt ExtractToastedFresh Fruit

Only Highland Park 18 Year Old / Bot.1990s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokeySherriedDried Fruit

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