Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) 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.
Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£199
Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)
Highland Park
★ 5.00
£228
| Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) | Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Highland Park |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.1% | 48.5% |
| Age | 15 yr | 28 yr |
| Price | £199 | £228.43 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)
Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)
Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) is better value at £199 vs £228.
For beginners: Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £228.43)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (59.1%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (28 vs 15 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£228.43 vs £199)
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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
Only Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)
Only Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)