Highland Park 23 Year Old 1981 (cask 6043) - First Cask vs William Larue Weller (2015 Release)

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

Highland Park 23 Year Old 1981 (cask 6043) - First CaskWilliam Larue Weller (2015 Release)
DistilleryHighland ParkWilliam Larue Weller
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV46%67.3%
Age23 yrNAS
Price£399£501.45
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 23 Year Old 1981 (cask 6043) - First Cask

Smoke64/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

William Larue Weller (2015 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner35/100
Value10/100

Highland Park 23 Year Old 1981 (cask 6043) - First Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

William Larue Weller (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

William Larue Weller (2015 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 23 Year Old 1981 (cask 6043) - First Cask is better value at £399 vs £501.

For beginners: Highland Park 23 Year Old 1981 (cask 6043) - First Cask is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 23 Year Old 1981 (cask 6043) - First Cask

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £501.45)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

William Larue Weller (2015 Release)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (67.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£501.45 vs £399)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 23 Year Old 1981 (cask 6043) - First Cask 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 William?

William Larue Weller (2015 Release) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Honey

Only Highland Park 23 Year Old 1981 (cask 6043) - First Cask

SmokeyOld WoodDried Fruit

Only William Larue Weller (2015 Release)

VanillaToastedSherriedMalt Extract

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