Highland Park 21 Year Old 1991 (cask 9242) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) vs The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Highland Park 21 Year Old 1991 (cask 9242) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Highland Park
£132
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
The Lakes Distillery
★ 5.00
£85
| Highland Park 21 Year Old 1991 (cask 9242) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) | The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Highland Park | The Lakes Distillery |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | England |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.8% | 52% |
| Age | 21 yr | NAS |
| Price | £131.74 | £84.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Highland Park 21 Year Old 1991 (cask 9242) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Highland Park 21 Year Old 1991 (cask 9242) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Quick verdict
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is better value at £85 vs £132.
For beginners: The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
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 £84.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£84.95 vs £131.74)
Cons
- −High ABV (52%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy The?
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Highland Park 21 Year Old 1991 (cask 9242) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Only The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5