Yamazaki 1984 vs Rosebank 22 Year Old 1981 - Rare Malts

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

Yamazaki 1984Rosebank 22 Year Old 1981 - Rare Malts
DistilleryYamazakiRosebank
RegionLowland
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%61.1%
AgeNAS22 yr
Price£899.95£950
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Yamazaki 1984

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner55/100
Value6/100

Rosebank 22 Year Old 1981 - Rare Malts

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner35/100
Value5/100

Yamazaki 1984

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rosebank 22 Year Old 1981 - Rare Malts

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Yamazaki 1984 is better value at £900 vs £950.

For beginners: Yamazaki 1984 is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Yamazaki 1984

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£899.95 vs £950)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Rosebank 22 Year Old 1981 - Rare Malts

Pros

  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (61.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£950 vs £899.95)

Who should buy Yamazaki?

Yamazaki 1984 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 22 Year Old 1981 - Rare Malts 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 WoodVanillaNutty

Only Yamazaki 1984

ToastedSherried

Only Rosebank 22 Year Old 1981 - Rare Malts

HoneyMalt Extract

Explore more