Glenrothes 21 Year Old 1998 (cask 13522) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

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

Glenrothes 21 Year Old 1998 (cask 13522) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
DistilleryGlenrothesHighland Park
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV60.7%55%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£229.94£299
Rating5.00/5

Glenrothes 21 Year Old 1998 (cask 13522) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness54/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

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

Glenrothes 21 Year Old 1998 (cask 13522) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenrothes 21 Year Old 1998 (cask 13522) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £230 vs £299.

For beginners: Glenrothes 21 Year Old 1998 (cask 13522) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Glenrothes 21 Year Old 1998 (cask 13522) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£229.94 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (60.7%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • 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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £229.94)

Who should buy Glenrothes?

Glenrothes 21 Year Old 1998 (cask 13522) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 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 Glenrothes 21 Year Old 1998 (cask 13522) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Old WoodDried Fruit

Only Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

Smokey

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