Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:48 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore the contrasts between the Dalmore 12 vs Highland Park 12 in my in-depth comparison and choose your next Single Malt Scotch.
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Dalmore vs Highland Park: Comparison
The Dalmore 12: Enchants with a rich aroma of dark fruit, citrus, and chocolate, leading to a palate of apricot and fig. Sweet flavors although lacking in body.
Highland Park 12: Offers a harmonious blend of floral, smoke, and honey on the nose, with a palate that combines cereal, orange, and green tea. Its long, oaky finish and subtle smokiness cater to both newcomers and seasoned whisky enthusiasts.
Verdict: The Dalmore 12 captivates with its complex aromas and fruit-forward palate, ideal for those who appreciate sweetness. Highland Park 12 shines with its balanced smoky sweetness, making it a versatile choice for a broad range of palates, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Recommended 12-Year-Old Single Malts
The Dalmore 12: Sweet and Smooth
- Nose: Dark fruit, citrus, chocolate, cinnamon, plum
- Palate: Apricot, fig, grape, pecan
- Finish: Short, dark fruit, baking spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Macallan 12
Intriguing Aroma: The Dalmore 12 entices with a rich nose of dark fruit, orange, chocolate, and hints of cinnamon and plum. This creates high expectations for a complex and flavorful experience.
Disappointing Palate: Unfortunately, the taste falls short. The body is thin and watery, and the initial fruity sweetness quickly becomes overwhelming and cloying. The short finish leaves a slightly bitter aftertaste. Adding water only dilutes the already light flavors.
Not for Everyone: While marketed as a “Christmas cake in a glass,” the Dalmore 12’s unbalanced flavors, thin body, and low alcohol content left us underwhelmed.
Key Points:
- Promising nose: Hints of dark fruit, orange, chocolate, cinnamon, and plum.
- Disappointing taste: Thin, watery body with cloying sweetness and a bitter aftertaste.
- Water doesn’t help: Dilutes the light flavors.
Dalmore 12 Specs:
- Aged for nine years in ex-bourbon barrels, then split:
- Half aged an additional three years in Matusalem oloroso sherry casks.
- Awards: Gold Medal at the SF World Spirits Competition, 95 points at the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
Highland Park 12: A Smoky Delight
- Nose: Floral, smoke, orange, honey
- Palate: Cereal, orange, green tea, smoke
- Finish: Long, oak, pepper
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Springbank 10
Nose: Inviting aroma of floral notes intertwined with citrus and honey.
Palate: Smooth and sweet, offering flavors of cereal, orange, and green tea. A subtle smokiness with hints of iodine and honey adds complexity. Though light-bodied, it remains enjoyable.
Finish: Moderately sweet and slightly spicy with a touch of oak and a short duration. Water enhances the sweetness, revealing meaty notes.
Ideal for: Fans of hint-of-peat whiskies and beginners exploring peaty options. Its sweeter taste makes it a good starting point.
Not the most complex: Lacks the depth of some whiskies, but still above average.
Highland Park 12 Specs:
- Aged in ex-Oloroso Sherry casks.
- Uncolored.
- Northernmost single malt Scotch distillery in Scotland.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Dalmore 12 | $70 |
| Highland Park 12 | $60 |