Ballechin 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 808) 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.

Ballechin 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 808)Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryEdradourHighland Park
RegionHighlandIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54%48.5%
Age18 yr28 yr
Price£199.61£228.43
Rating5.00/5

Ballechin 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 808)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

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

Ballechin 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 808)

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).

Ballechin 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 808) is better value at £200 vs £228.

For beginners: Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Ballechin 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 808)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£199.61 vs £228.43)

Cons

  • High ABV (54%) — may need water
  • 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)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 18 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£228.43 vs £199.61)

Who should buy Ballechin?

Ballechin 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 808) 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 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

SmokeyLeatheryToasted

Only Ballechin 18 Year Old 2003 (cask 808)

Sherried

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

HoneyOld Wood

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