Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 vs Mortlach 26 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

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

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013Mortlach 26 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
DistilleryHighland ParkMortlach
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.1%53.3%
Age30 yr26 yr
Price£999£1494.95
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

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

Mortlach 26 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 26 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

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 £1495.

For beginners: Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 is more approachable (45/100 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 £1494.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Mortlach 26 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1494.95 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 Mortlach?

Mortlach 26 Year Old (Special Release 2019) 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

Dried FruitToastedOld Wood

Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokeyHoney

Only Mortlach 26 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

SherriedChocolate

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