Highland Park 18 Year Old 1997 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) vs WhistlePig 15 Year Old

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

Highland Park 18 Year Old 1997 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)WhistlePig 15 Year Old
DistilleryHighland ParkWhistlePig
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltRye
ABV54.6%46%
Age18 yr15 yr
Price£189.79£229.99
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 18 Year Old 1997 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness85/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

WhistlePig 15 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value22/100

Highland Park 18 Year Old 1997 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

WhistlePig 15 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

WhistlePig 15 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 18 Year Old 1997 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is better value at £190 vs £230.

For beginners: WhistlePig 15 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 18 Year Old 1997 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£189.79 vs £229.99)
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 15 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

WhistlePig 15 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£229.99 vs £189.79)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 18 Year Old 1997 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) 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.

Who should buy WhistlePig?

WhistlePig 15 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Rye character.

Tasting notes

Only Highland Park 18 Year Old 1997 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

SmokeyHoneyOld Wood

Only WhistlePig 15 Year Old

VanillaToastedNew WoodTobacco

Explore more