Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 vs Hillside 1971 / 25 Year Old / Rare Malts Highland Whisky

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

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013Hillside 1971 / 25 Year Old / Rare Malts Highland Whisky
DistilleryHighland ParkHillside
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV48.1%40%
Age30 yrNAS
Price£999£1100
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

Hillside 1971 / 25 Year Old / Rare Malts Highland Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hillside 1971 / 25 Year Old / Rare Malts Highland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is better value at £999 vs £1100.

For beginners: Hillside 1971 / 25 Year Old / Rare Malts Highland Whisky is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£999 vs £1100)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Hillside 1971 / 25 Year Old / Rare Malts Highland Whisky

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£1100 vs £999)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Who should buy Hillside?

Hillside 1971 / 25 Year Old / Rare Malts Highland Whisky 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

HoneyOld Wood

Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokeyDried FruitToasted

Only Hillside 1971 / 25 Year Old / Rare Malts Highland Whisky

Malt ExtractVanillaFresh Fruit

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