Rock Island Sherry Edition vs Glen Elgin 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 801801) - Highland Laird (Bartels Whisky)

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

Rock Island Sherry EditionGlen Elgin 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 801801) - Highland Laird (Bartels Whisky)
DistilleryRock IslandGlen Elgin
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.8%56.9%
AgeNAS8 yr
Price£50£45.95
Rating5.00/5

Rock Island Sherry Edition

Smoke64/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

Glen Elgin 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 801801) - Highland Laird (Bartels Whisky)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Rock Island Sherry Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Elgin 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 801801) - Highland Laird (Bartels Whisky)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rock Island Sherry Edition is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glen Elgin 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 801801) - Highland Laird (Bartels Whisky) is better value at £46 vs £50.

For beginners: Rock Island Sherry Edition is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Rock Island Sherry Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£50 vs £45.95)

Glen Elgin 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 801801) - Highland Laird (Bartels Whisky)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£45.95 vs £50)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.9%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Rock?

Rock Island Sherry Edition 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 Glen?

Glen Elgin 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 801801) - Highland Laird (Bartels Whisky) 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

Nutty

Only Rock Island Sherry Edition

SherriedDried FruitSmokeySandy

Only Glen Elgin 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 801801) - Highland Laird (Bartels Whisky)

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaToasted

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