Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 vs Strathisla 35 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Gordon & MacPhail Speyside Whisky

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

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013Strathisla 35 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Gordon & MacPhail Speyside Whisky
DistilleryHighland ParkStrathisla
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

Strathisla 35 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Gordon & MacPhail Speyside Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness62/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Strathisla 35 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Gordon & MacPhail Speyside 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: Strathisla 35 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Gordon & MacPhail Speyside Whisky is more approachable (70/100 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

Strathisla 35 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Gordon & MacPhail Speyside Whisky

Pros

  • +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 Strathisla?

Strathisla 35 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Gordon & MacPhail Speyside Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

HoneyOld Wood

Only Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokeyDried FruitToasted

Only Strathisla 35 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Gordon & MacPhail Speyside Whisky

Malt ExtractCooked Fruit

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