Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 vs Lagavulin 1988 Distillers Edition / Bot.2004 Islay Whisky

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

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013Lagavulin 1988 Distillers Edition / Bot.2004 Islay Whisky
DistilleryHighland ParkLagavulin
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV48.1%40%
Age30 yrNAS
Price£999£800
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

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

Lagavulin 1988 Distillers Edition / Bot.2004 Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 1988 Distillers Edition / Bot.2004 Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Lagavulin 1988 Distillers Edition / Bot.2004 Islay Whisky is better value at £800 vs £999.

For beginners: Lagavulin 1988 Distillers Edition / Bot.2004 Islay Whisky is more approachable (75/100 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£999 vs £800)

Lagavulin 1988 Distillers Edition / Bot.2004 Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£800 vs £999)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 1988 Distillers Edition / Bot.2004 Islay 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

SmokeyHoneyDried Fruit

Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

ToastedOld Wood

Only Lagavulin 1988 Distillers Edition / Bot.2004 Islay Whisky

SherriedChocolate

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