Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1986 (cask 1491) (Adelphi) 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.

Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1986 (cask 1491) (Adelphi)Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryCragganmoreHighland Park
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.5%48.5%
Age30 yr28 yr
Price£285.83£228.43
Rating5.00/5

Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1986 (cask 1491) (Adelphi)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

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

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

Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1986 (cask 1491) (Adelphi)

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).

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) is better value at £228 vs £286.

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

Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1986 (cask 1491) (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 28 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£285.83 vs £228.43)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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)
  • +More affordable (£228.43 vs £285.83)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Cragganmore?

Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1986 (cask 1491) (Adelphi) 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

Old WoodLeatherySmokey

Only Cragganmore 30 Year Old 1986 (cask 1491) (Adelphi)

SherriedDried Fruit

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

HoneyToasted

Explore more