Glenrothes 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 19602402) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Rock Island 21 Year Old

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

Glenrothes 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 19602402) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)Rock Island 21 Year Old
DistilleryGlenrothesRock Island
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV53.4%46.8%
Age14 yr21 yr
Price£129.9£99.62
Rating5.00/5

Glenrothes 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 19602402) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Rock Island 21 Year Old

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

Glenrothes 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 19602402) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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 £130.

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

Glenrothes 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 19602402) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£129.9 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 Glenrothes?

Glenrothes 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 19602402) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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

SherriedDried FruitHoneyOld Wood

Only Glenrothes 14 Year Old 2009 (cask 19602402) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Vanilla

Only Rock Island 21 Year Old

Smokey

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