Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) vs Octomore 14.3 5 Year Old

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

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)Octomore 14.3 5 Year Old
DistilleryHighland ParkBruichladdich
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.5%61.4%
Age28 yr5 yr
Price£228.43£182.95
Rating5.00/52.00/5

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

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

Octomore 14.3 5 Year Old

Smoke66/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner20/100
Value11/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Octomore 14.3 5 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) is rated higher (5.00 vs 2.00).

Octomore 14.3 5 Year Old is better value at £183 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 5 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£228.43 vs £182.95)

Octomore 14.3 5 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£182.95 vs £228.43)

Cons

  • High ABV (61.4%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (2.0 vs 5.0)

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 Octomore?

Octomore 14.3 5 Year Old 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

SmokeyToastedLeathery

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

HoneyOld Wood

Only Octomore 14.3 5 Year Old

MedicinalCoal-gas

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