Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish vs Highland Park 28 Year Old 1992 (cask 1271) - The Artful Dodger
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£292

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1992 (cask 1271) - The Artful Dodger
Highland Park
£440
| Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish | Highland Park 28 Year Old 1992 (cask 1271) - The Artful Dodger | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Highland Park |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.1% | 46.6% |
| Age | 23 yr | 28 yr |
| Price | £291.95 | £440 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Highland Park 28 Year Old 1992 (cask 1271) - The Artful Dodger
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Highland Park 28 Year Old 1992 (cask 1271) - The Artful Dodger
Quick verdict
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is better value at £292 vs £440.
For beginners: Highland Park 28 Year Old 1992 (cask 1271) - The Artful Dodger is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£291.95 vs £440)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Highland Park 28 Year Old 1992 (cask 1271) - The Artful Dodger
Pros
- +Longer maturation (28 vs 23 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£440 vs £291.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Darkness!?
Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish 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 28 Year Old 1992 (cask 1271) - The Artful Dodger 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 Darkness! Ardbeg 23 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish
Only Highland Park 28 Year Old 1992 (cask 1271) - The Artful Dodger