Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) vs Glen Grant 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 110765) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)Glen Grant 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 110765) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryHighland ParkGlen Grant
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.5%50.4%
Age28 yr23 yr
Price£228.43£164.9
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Glen Grant 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 110765) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Grant 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 110765) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glen Grant 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 110765) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £165 vs £228.

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

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 23 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£228.43 vs £164.9)

Glen Grant 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 110765) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£164.9 vs £228.43)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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.

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Grant 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 110765) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

HoneyToastedOld Wood

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

SmokeyLeathery

Only Glen Grant 23 Year Old 1996 (cask 110765) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

VanillaMalt Extract

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