Dalwhinnie 36 Year Old vs Highland Park 12 Year Old / Bot.1970s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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

Dalwhinnie 36 Year OldHighland Park 12 Year Old / Bot.1970s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryDalwhinnieHighland Park
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV47.2%40%
Age36 yrNAS
Price£1395£1800
Rating4.20/5

Dalwhinnie 36 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner55/100
Value3/100

Highland Park 12 Year Old / Bot.1970s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Dalwhinnie 36 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 12 Year Old / Bot.1970s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Dalwhinnie 36 Year Old is rated higher (4.20 vs 0.00).

Dalwhinnie 36 Year Old is better value at £1395 vs £1800.

For beginners: Highland Park 12 Year Old / Bot.1970s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Dalwhinnie 36 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.2/5)
  • +More affordable (£1395 vs £1800)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Highland Park 12 Year Old / Bot.1970s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£1800 vs £1395)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.2)

Who should buy Dalwhinnie?

Dalwhinnie 36 Year Old 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 / Bot.1970s 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

Only Dalwhinnie 36 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitLeathery

Only Highland Park 12 Year Old / Bot.1970s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokeyHoneyMalt ExtractVanilla

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