Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) vs Pulteney 21 Year Old 2002 (cask 21177) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

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

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing)Pulteney 21 Year Old 2002 (cask 21177) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)
DistilleryHighland ParkPulteney
RegionIslandHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.5%59%
Age28 yr21 yr
Price£228.43£195.93
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Pulteney 21 Year Old 2002 (cask 21177) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Pulteney 21 Year Old 2002 (cask 21177) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Pulteney 21 Year Old 2002 (cask 21177) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing) is better value at £196 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 21 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£228.43 vs £195.93)

Pulteney 21 Year Old 2002 (cask 21177) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£195.93 vs £228.43)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (59%) — 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 Pulteney?

Pulteney 21 Year Old 2002 (cask 21177) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing) 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

HoneyToastedOld Wood

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

SmokeyLeathery

Only Pulteney 21 Year Old 2002 (cask 21177) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

Malt ExtractVanilla

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