Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 9783) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

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

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 9783) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryHighland ParkNorth British
RegionLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV50.2%53.3%
Age26 yr50 yr
Price£343.95£434.04
Rating5.00/53.50/5

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value15/100

North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 9783) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner45/100
Value8/100

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 9783) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.50).

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £344 vs £434.

For beginners: North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 9783) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£343.95 vs £434.04)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.2%) — may need water

North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 9783) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (50 vs 26 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£434.04 vs £343.95)
  • Lower community rating (3.5 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 North?

North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 9783) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) 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

Old WoodToasted

Only Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyHoney

Only North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 9783) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

SherriedDried FruitLeathery

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