Glen Elgin 24 Year Old 1989 - Mackillop's Choice 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.

Glen Elgin 24 Year Old 1989 - Mackillop's ChoiceHighland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryGlen ElginHighland Park
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.4%48.5%
Age24 yr28 yr
Price£164.95£228.43
Rating5.00/5

Glen Elgin 24 Year Old 1989 - Mackillop's Choice

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

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

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

Glen Elgin 24 Year Old 1989 - Mackillop's Choice

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).

Glen Elgin 24 Year Old 1989 - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £165 vs £228.

For beginners: Glen Elgin 24 Year Old 1989 - Mackillop's Choice is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Glen Elgin 24 Year Old 1989 - Mackillop's Choice

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£164.95 vs £228.43)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (52.4%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • 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
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 24 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£228.43 vs £164.95)

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Elgin 24 Year Old 1989 - Mackillop's Choice 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

HoneyOld Wood

Only Glen Elgin 24 Year Old 1989 - Mackillop's Choice

VanillaMalt ExtractCitric

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

SmokeyToastedLeathery

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