Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
Highland Park
★ 3.71
£34
Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix
Tullamore D.E.W.
★ 5.00
£46
| Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) | Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Highland Park | Tullamore D.E.W. |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 43% | 55% |
| Age | 8 yr | NAS |
| Price | £33.83 | £45.95 |
| Rating | 3.71/5 | 5.00/5 |
Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix
Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix
Quick verdict
Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.71).
Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £34 vs £46.
For beginners: Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).
Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£33.83 vs £45.95)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.7 vs 5.0)
Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix
Pros
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (55%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£45.95 vs £33.83)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Who should buy Tullamore?
Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix 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
Only Highland Park 8 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix