Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014) 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.

Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)
Caol Ila
£199

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)
Highland Park
★ 5.00
£228
| Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014) | Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Highland Park |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 60.4% | 48.5% |
| Age | 15 yr | 28 yr |
| Price | £199 | £228.43 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)
Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)
Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014) is better value at £199 vs £228.
For beginners: Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£199 vs £228.43)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (60.4%) — 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 15 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£228.43 vs £199)
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014) 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
Only Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)
Only Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)