Highland Park 18 Year Old 1999 (batch 18/019) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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

Highland Park 18 Year Old 1999 (batch 18/019) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryHighland ParkMacduff
RegionIslandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.6%55%
Age18 yr20 yr
Price£123.1£75.3
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 18 Year Old 1999 (batch 18/019) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness49/100
Beginner50/100
Value66/100

Highland Park 18 Year Old 1999 (batch 18/019) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £75 vs £123.

For beginners: Highland Park 18 Year Old 1999 (batch 18/019) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 18 Year Old 1999 (batch 18/019) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£123.1 vs £75.3)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£75.3 vs £123.1)
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 18 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 18 Year Old 1999 (batch 18/019) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Macduff?

Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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

Old WoodHoney

Only Highland Park 18 Year Old 1999 (batch 18/019) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedDried FruitTobacco

Only Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Malt ExtractToastedNutty

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