Highland Park 40 Year Old vs The Macallan 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 15149) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

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

Highland Park 40 Year OldThe Macallan 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 15149) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryHighland ParkThe Macallan
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.3%42.3%
Age40 yr31 yr
Price£2995£2999.95
Rating4.88/5

Highland Park 40 Year Old

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

The Macallan 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 15149) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 15149) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

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 £3000.

For beginners: The Macallan 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 15149) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
  • +More affordable (£2995 vs £2999.95)
  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 31 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

The Macallan 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 15149) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£2999.95 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 The?

The Macallan 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 15149) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old WoodSherriedDried Fruit

Only Highland Park 40 Year Old

Tobacco

Only The Macallan 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 15149) - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)

ChocolateNutty

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