Port Charlotte 13 Year Old 2004 (Burgundy cask) - 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.

Port Charlotte 13 Year Old 2004 (Burgundy cask) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryBruichladdichHighland Park
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.9%48.5%
Age13 yr28 yr
Price£184.95£228.43
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Port Charlotte 13 Year Old 2004 (Burgundy cask) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value27/100

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

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

Port Charlotte 13 Year Old 2004 (Burgundy cask) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Charlotte 13 Year Old 2004 (Burgundy cask) - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £185 vs £228.

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

Port Charlotte 13 Year Old 2004 (Burgundy cask) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£184.95 vs £228.43)

Cons

  • High ABV (58.9%) — may need water
  • 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
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 13 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£228.43 vs £184.95)

Who should buy Port?

Port Charlotte 13 Year Old 2004 (Burgundy cask) - 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

Smokey

Only Port Charlotte 13 Year Old 2004 (Burgundy cask) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

MedicinalOilyKippery

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

HoneyToastedOld WoodLeathery

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