Highland Park 12 Year Old - Viking Honour vs Lower East Side Blended Malt

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

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Viking HonourLower East Side Blended Malt
DistilleryHighland ParkLower East Side
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV40%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£47£29.9
Rating3.33/55.00/5

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Viking Honour

Smoke64/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner65/100
Value71/100

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner100/100
Value100/100

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Viking Honour

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lower East Side Blended Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lower East Side Blended Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.33).

Lower East Side Blended Malt is better value at £30 vs £47.

For beginners: Lower East Side Blended Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Viking Honour

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£47 vs £29.9)
  • Lower community rating (3.3 vs 5.0)

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Viking Honour suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Who should buy Lower?

Lower East Side Blended Malt 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 Highland Park 12 Year Old - Viking Honour

SmokeySherriedCitricToasted

Only Lower East Side Blended Malt

Fresh FruitHoneyVanillaMalt Extract

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