Highland Park 40 Year Old vs Laphroaig 36 Year Old The Archive Collection Islay Whisky

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

Highland Park 40 Year OldLaphroaig 36 Year Old The Archive Collection Islay Whisky
DistilleryHighland ParkLaphroaig
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV48.3%40%
Age40 yrNAS
Price£2995£3850
Rating4.88/5

Highland Park 40 Year Old

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

Laphroaig 36 Year Old The Archive Collection Islay Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 36 Year Old The Archive Collection Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Highland Park 40 Year Old is better value at £2995 vs £3850.

For beginners: Laphroaig 36 Year Old The Archive Collection Islay Whisky is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
  • +More affordable (£2995 vs £3850)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Laphroaig 36 Year Old The Archive Collection Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£3850 vs £2995)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)

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 Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 36 Year Old The Archive Collection 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

TobaccoDried Fruit

Only Highland Park 40 Year Old

Old WoodSherried

Only Laphroaig 36 Year Old The Archive Collection Islay Whisky

SmokeyMedicinalCitricHoney

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