Octomore 14.3 5 Year Old 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.

Octomore 14.3 5 Year OldHighland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryBruichladdichHighland Park
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV61.4%48.5%
Age5 yr28 yr
Price£182.95£228.43
Rating2.00/55.00/5

Octomore 14.3 5 Year Old

Smoke66/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner20/100
Value11/100

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

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

Octomore 14.3 5 Year Old

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 2.00).

Octomore 14.3 5 Year Old is better value at £183 vs £228.

For beginners: Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Octomore 14.3 5 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£182.95 vs £228.43)

Cons

  • High ABV (61.4%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (2.0 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 5 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£228.43 vs £182.95)

Who should buy Octomore?

Octomore 14.3 5 Year Old 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

SmokeyToastedLeathery

Only Octomore 14.3 5 Year Old

MedicinalCoal-gas

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

HoneyOld Wood

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