Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail) vs Giffard Creme de Cassis Imperial

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

Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail)Giffard Creme de Cassis Imperial
DistilleryHighland ParkGiffard
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%40%
Age8 yrNAS
Price£22.21£15.95
Rating4.33/5

Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner90/100
Value100/100

Giffard Creme de Cassis Imperial

Smoke0/100
Sweetness37/100
Beginner80/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Giffard Creme de Cassis Imperial

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail) is rated higher (4.33 vs 0.00).

Giffard Creme de Cassis Imperial is better value at £16 vs £22.

For beginners: Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail) is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money

Cons

  • More expensive (£22.21 vs £15.95)

Giffard Creme de Cassis Imperial

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£15.95 vs £22.21)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.3)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail) 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 Giffard?

Giffard Creme de Cassis Imperial suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail)

SmokeyHoneyVanillaMalt Extract

Only Giffard Creme de Cassis Imperial

Cooked FruitFresh FruitFragant

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