Ardbeg 33 Year Old 1991 (cask 02/453/1) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 33 Year Old 1991 (cask 02/453/1) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
Ardbeg
£2350
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Rosebank
★ 4.20
£1499
| Ardbeg 33 Year Old 1991 (cask 02/453/1) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) | Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Rosebank |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52.6% | 55.3% |
| Age | 33 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £2349.95 | £1499 |
| Rating | — | 4.20/5 |
Ardbeg 33 Year Old 1991 (cask 02/453/1) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Ardbeg 33 Year Old 1991 (cask 02/453/1) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Quick verdict
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is rated higher (4.20 vs 0.00).
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is better value at £1499 vs £2350.
For beginners: Ardbeg 33 Year Old 1991 (cask 02/453/1) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 33 Year Old 1991 (cask 02/453/1) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (52.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£2349.95 vs £1499)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.2)
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.2/5)
- +More affordable (£1499 vs £2349.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 33 Year Old 1991 (cask 02/453/1) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (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.
Who should buy Rosebank?
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) 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
Only Ardbeg 33 Year Old 1991 (cask 02/453/1) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)