Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) vs Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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 Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryHighland ParkPort Ellen
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.5%54.7%
Age28 yr27 yr
Price£228.43£163.45
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 Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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 Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £163 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 27 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£228.43 vs £163.45)

Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£163.45 vs £228.43)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — 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 Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 - 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

SmokeyOld WoodLeathery

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

HoneyToasted

Only Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

MedicinalDried Fruit

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