Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1977 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

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

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1977 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
DistilleryPort EllenRosebank
RegionIslayLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49.3%55.3%
Age35 yr21 yr
Price£1495£1499
Rating4.20/5

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1977 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner35/100
Value3/100

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1977 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is rated higher (4.20 vs 0.00).

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1977 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) is better value at £1495 vs £1499.

For beginners: Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1977 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1977 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£1495 vs £1499)
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.2)

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.2/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1499 vs £1495)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1977 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay 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 Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1977 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinalDried Fruit

Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

LeafyHay-likeHoneyFresh Fruit

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