Connemara 17 Year Old 1992 (cask 112) vs Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007)

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

Connemara 17 Year Old 1992 (cask 112)Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007)
DistilleryConnemaraRosebank
RegionLowland
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%61.4%
Age17 yr25 yr
Price£195£173.95
Rating5.00/5

Connemara 17 Year Old 1992 (cask 112)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
Value29/100

Connemara 17 Year Old 1992 (cask 112)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007) is better value at £174 vs £195.

For beginners: Connemara 17 Year Old 1992 (cask 112) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Connemara 17 Year Old 1992 (cask 112)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£195 vs £173.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£173.95 vs £195)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 17 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (61.4%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Connemara?

Connemara 17 Year Old 1992 (cask 112) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Who should buy Rosebank?

Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007) 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

Old Wood

Only Connemara 17 Year Old 1992 (cask 112)

SmokeyLeatheryTobacco

Only Rosebank 25 Year Old 1981 (Special Release 2007)

VanillaMalt ExtractHay-likeFresh Fruit

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