Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005 vs Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10435) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10435) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryHakushuHighland Park
RegionIsland
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43.5%43.3%
Age12 yr25 yr
Price£199£197.79
Rating4.33/5

Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005

Smoke0/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner60/100
Value22/100

Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10435) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10435) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005 is rated higher (4.33 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10435) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £198 vs £199.

For beginners: Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.3/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£199 vs £197.79)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10435) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£197.79 vs £199)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • 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 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10435) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Only Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005

Fresh FruitLeafyGreen-HouseMalt Extract

Only Highland Park 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10435) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokeySherriedHoneyOld WoodToasted

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