Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005 vs Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005
Hakushu
★ 4.33
£199
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
Highland Park
£235
| Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005 | Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hakushu | Highland Park |
| Region | — | Island |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43.5% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £199 | £234.5 |
| Rating | 4.33/5 | — |
Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
Quick verdict
Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005 is rated higher (4.33 vs 0.00).
Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005 is better value at £199 vs £235.
For beginners: Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.3/5)
- +More affordable (£199 vs £234.5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£234.5 vs £199)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.3)
Who should buy Hakushu?
Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005
Only Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)