Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) vs Port Charlotte 11 Year Old 2011 Valinch (cask 4322) - PLC:01

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

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)Port Charlotte 11 Year Old 2011 Valinch (cask 4322) - PLC:01
DistilleryHighland ParkBruichladdich
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.5%62.1%
Age28 yr11 yr
Price£228.43£199
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Port Charlotte 11 Year Old 2011 Valinch (cask 4322) - PLC:01

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Charlotte 11 Year Old 2011 Valinch (cask 4322) - PLC:01

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Port Charlotte 11 Year Old 2011 Valinch (cask 4322) - PLC:01 is better value at £199 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 11 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£228.43 vs £199)

Port Charlotte 11 Year Old 2011 Valinch (cask 4322) - PLC:01

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £228.43)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (62.1%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Port?

Port Charlotte 11 Year Old 2011 Valinch (cask 4322) - PLC:01 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

SmokeyToastedOld WoodLeathery

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

Honey

Only Port Charlotte 11 Year Old 2011 Valinch (cask 4322) - PLC:01

Medicinal

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