Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix vs Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Tullamore D.E.W. PhoenixHighland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryTullamore D.E.W.Highland Park
RegionIsland
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV55%43%
AgeNAS8 yr
Price£45.95£33.83
Rating5.00/53.71/5

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner90/100
Value100/100

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.71).

Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £34 vs £46.

For beginners: Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£45.95 vs £33.83)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£33.83 vs £45.95)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.7 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Tullamore?

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix 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 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedHoney

Only Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

VanillaCooked FruitToasted

Only Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokeyDried Fruit

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