Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Lagavulin
£2250

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Rosebank
★ 4.20
£1499
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky | Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Rosebank |
| Region | — | Lowland |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 55.3% |
| Age | NAS | 21 yr |
| Price | £2250 | £1499 |
| Rating | — | 4.20/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Quick verdict
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is rated higher (4.20 vs 0.00).
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is better value at £1499 vs £2250.
For beginners: Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£2250 vs £1499)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.2)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.2/5)
- +More affordable (£1499 vs £2250)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Who should buy Rosebank?
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) 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
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)