Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 vs Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)

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

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)
DistilleryHighland ParkThe Macallan
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.1%54%
Age30 yr21 yr
Price£999£1499.95
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

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

Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)

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 £1500.

For beginners: Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory) is more approachable (60/100 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 £1499.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1499.95 vs £999)
  • 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 Macallan?

Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Dried Fruit

Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokeyHoneyToastedOld Wood

Only Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)

SherriedVanillaChocolate

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