Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) vs Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 54.5% ABV

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

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 54.5% ABV
DistilleryHighland ParkMortlach
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.5%54.5%
Age28 yr20 yr
Price£228.43£179.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 54.5% ABV

Smoke0/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 54.5% ABV

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 54.5% ABV is better value at £180 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 20 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£228.43 vs £179.95)

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 54.5% ABV

Pros

  • +More affordable (£179.95 vs £228.43)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.5%) — 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 Mortlach?

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 54.5% ABV 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

Toasted

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

SmokeyHoneyOld WoodLeathery

Only Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 54.5% ABV

Malt ExtractFresh FruitOily

Where to buy

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

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 54.5% ABV

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