Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Year of the Rat 2020 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.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Year of the Rat 2020Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryJohnnie WalkerHighland Park
RegionOther ScotchIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV40%48.5%
AgeNAS28 yr
Price£210£228.43
Rating5.00/5

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Year of the Rat 2020

Smoke64/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

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

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

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Year of the Rat 2020

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).

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Year of the Rat 2020 is better value at £210 vs £228.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Year of the Rat 2020 is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Year of the Rat 2020

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£210 vs £228.43)

Cons

  • 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£228.43 vs £210)

Who should buy Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Year of the Rat 2020 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.

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

HoneyOld WoodSmokey

Only Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Year of the Rat 2020

SherriedVanillaDried Fruit

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

ToastedLeathery

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