Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus vs Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

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

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint MagnusLaphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
DistilleryHighland ParkLaphroaig
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55%48.9%
Age12 yr25 yr
Price£299£399
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

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

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value13/100

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is better value at £299 vs £399.

For beginners: Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £399)

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £299)

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.

Who should buy Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

HoneyToastedMalt Extract

Only Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

SherriedMedicinalKipperyOily

Explore more