Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna vs Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid)

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

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and FaunaBruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid)
DistilleryRosebankBruichladdich
RegionLowlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%46%
Age12 yr18 yr
Price£399£358.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner70/100
Value13/100

Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner50/100
Value14/100

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid) is better value at £359 vs £399.

For beginners: Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £358.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£358.95 vs £399)
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Rosebank?

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.

Who should buy Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Only Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Fresh FruitFragantHoneyVegetative

Only Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 1989 (Murray McDavid)

SmokeySherriedCooked FruitLeatheryOld Wood

Explore more