Talisker 11 Year Old (Special Release 2022) vs Rock Island 21 Year Old

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

Talisker 11 Year Old (Special Release 2022)Rock Island 21 Year Old
DistilleryTaliskerRock Island
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV55.1%46.8%
Age11 yr21 yr
Price£125£99.62
Rating5.00/5

Talisker 11 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Rock Island 21 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner65/100
Value50/100

Talisker 11 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rock Island 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rock Island 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Rock Island 21 Year Old is better value at £100 vs £125.

For beginners: Rock Island 21 Year Old is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Talisker 11 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£125 vs £99.62)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Rock Island 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Talisker?

Talisker 11 Year Old (Special Release 2022) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Rock?

Rock Island 21 Year Old suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Talisker 11 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

Fresh FruitVanilla

Only Rock Island 21 Year Old

SherriedOld WoodDried FruitHoney

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