Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid) vs Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)

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

Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid)Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryCragganmoreHighland Park
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%48.5%
Age21 yr28 yr
Price£250£228.43
Rating5.00/5

Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner45/100
Value22/100

Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) is better value at £228 vs £250.

For beginners: Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £228.43)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£228.43 vs £250)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Cragganmore?

Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

ToastedOld Wood

Only Cragganmore 21 Year Old 1985 - Mission (Murray McDavid)

SherriedDried FruitTobacco

Only Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyHoneyLeathery

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