Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2000 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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 17 Year Old 2000 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryCaol IlaHighland Park
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV68.6%48.5%
Age17 yr28 yr
Price£164.95£228.43
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2000 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

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

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2000 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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).

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2000 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £165 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 17 Year Old 2000 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£164.95 vs £228.43)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (68.6%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 17 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£228.43 vs £164.95)

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2000 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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

SmokeyLeatheryOld Wood

Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2000 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

MedicinalKippery

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

HoneyToasted

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