Caol Ila 33 Year Old 1984 (cask 11620) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 33 Year Old 1984 (cask 11620) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila
£339
Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Highland Park
★ 5.00
£344
| Caol Ila 33 Year Old 1984 (cask 11620) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Highland Park |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.8% | 50.2% |
| Age | 33 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £339.08 | £343.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 33 Year Old 1984 (cask 11620) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Caol Ila 33 Year Old 1984 (cask 11620) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 33 Year Old 1984 (cask 11620) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £339 vs £344.
For beginners: Caol Ila 33 Year Old 1984 (cask 11620) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 33 Year Old 1984 (cask 11620) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£339.08 vs £343.95)
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 26 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (50.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£343.95 vs £339.08)
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 33 Year Old 1984 (cask 11620) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 33 Year Old 1984 (cask 11620) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Where to buy
Caol Ila 33 Year Old 1984 (cask 11620) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Highland Park 26 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange