Highland Park 40 Year Old vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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

Highland Park 40 Year OldLagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryHighland ParkLagavulin
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV48.3%40%
Age40 yrNAS
Price£2995£2250
Rating4.88/5

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner55/100
Value2/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 40 Year Old is rated higher (4.88 vs 0.00).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is better value at £2250 vs £2995.

For beginners: Highland Park 40 Year Old is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£2995 vs £2250)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£2250 vs £2995)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 40 Year Old 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 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch 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

Old Wood

Only Highland Park 40 Year Old

SherriedTobaccoDried Fruit

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

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