The Oxford Artisan Distillery Rye Whisky - Batch 1 vs Highland Park 21 Year Old 1991 (cask 9242) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

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

The Oxford Artisan Distillery Rye Whisky - Batch 1Highland Park 21 Year Old 1991 (cask 9242) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryThe Oxford Artisan DistilleryHighland Park
RegionIsland
CountryEnglandScotland
TypeRyeSingle Malt
ABV46.3%54.8%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£95£131.74
Rating5.00/5

The Oxford Artisan Distillery Rye Whisky - Batch 1

Smoke0/100
Sweetness52/100
Beginner60/100
Value53/100

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1991 (cask 9242) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

The Oxford Artisan Distillery Rye Whisky - Batch 1

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1991 (cask 9242) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Oxford Artisan Distillery Rye Whisky - Batch 1 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

The Oxford Artisan Distillery Rye Whisky - Batch 1 is better value at £95 vs £132.

For beginners: The Oxford Artisan Distillery Rye Whisky - Batch 1 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

The Oxford Artisan Distillery Rye Whisky - Batch 1

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£95 vs £131.74)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1991 (cask 9242) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£131.74 vs £95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy The?

The Oxford Artisan Distillery Rye Whisky - Batch 1 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Rye character.

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1991 (cask 9242) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Fresh FruitHoney

Only The Oxford Artisan Distillery Rye Whisky - Batch 1

ToastedVegetativeYeasty

Only Highland Park 21 Year Old 1991 (cask 9242) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyOld Wood

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