Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/140) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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.

Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/140) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryBladnochHighland Park
RegionLowlandIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.7%48.5%
Age28 yr28 yr
Price£264.17£228.43
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/140) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner70/100
Value19/100

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

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

Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/140) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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 better value at £228 vs £264.

For beginners: Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/140) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/140) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£264.17 vs £228.43)
  • 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
  • +More affordable (£228.43 vs £264.17)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Bladnoch?

Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/140) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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

Old WoodHoney

Only Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/140) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

VanillaMalt ExtractFresh Fruit

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

SmokeyToastedLeathery

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