Rock Island Sherry Edition vs Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)

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

Rock Island Sherry EditionLinkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)
DistilleryRock IslandLinkwood
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.8%43%
AgeNAS18 yr
Price£50£42.74
Rating5.00/5

Rock Island Sherry Edition

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

Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Rock Island Sherry Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory) is better value at £43 vs £50.

For beginners: Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory) is more approachable (75/100 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 £42.74)

Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£42.74 vs £50)

Cons

  • 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 Linkwood?

Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Dried Fruit

Only Rock Island Sherry Edition

SherriedSmokeySandyNutty

Only Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaToasted

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