Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 vs Macallan 28 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019Macallan 28 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryHighland ParkThe Macallan
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV45.7%40.2%
Age25 yr28 yr
Price£799£1324.95
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner65/100
Value6/100

Macallan 28 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Macallan 28 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 is better value at £799 vs £1325.

For beginners: Macallan 28 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Macallan 28 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 25 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£1324.95 vs £799)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 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 Macallan?

Macallan 28 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of 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

Both taste of

SherriedDried Fruit

Only Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019

HoneySmokey

Only Macallan 28 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

ChocolateOld WoodVanilla

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