Highland Park 30 Year Old (2023 Release) vs Yamazaki 1984

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

Highland Park 30 Year Old (2023 Release)Yamazaki 1984
DistilleryHighland ParkYamazaki
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV45.1%48%
Age30 yrNAS
Price£1225£899.95
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 30 Year Old (2023 Release)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Yamazaki 1984

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner55/100
Value6/100

Highland Park 30 Year Old (2023 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yamazaki 1984

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Yamazaki 1984 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Yamazaki 1984 is better value at £900 vs £1225.

For beginners: Highland Park 30 Year Old (2023 Release) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 30 Year Old (2023 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£1225 vs £899.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Yamazaki 1984

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£899.95 vs £1225)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 30 Year Old (2023 Release) 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 Yamazaki?

Yamazaki 1984 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedOld Wood

Only Highland Park 30 Year Old (2023 Release)

HoneySmokeyDried Fruit

Only Yamazaki 1984

VanillaToastedNutty

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