Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (cask 13101) - Xtra Old Patricular (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 1983 (cask 13101) - Xtra Old Patricular (Douglas Laing)Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
DistilleryPort EllenRosebank
RegionIslayLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.3%55.3%
Age35 yr21 yr
Price£1747.52£1499
Rating4.20/5

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (cask 13101) - Xtra Old Patricular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

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

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (cask 13101) - Xtra Old Patricular (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).

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is better value at £1499 vs £1748.

For beginners: Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (cask 13101) - Xtra Old Patricular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (cask 13101) - Xtra Old Patricular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (54.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1747.52 vs £1499)
  • 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 affordable (£1499 vs £1747.52)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (cask 13101) - Xtra Old Patricular (Douglas Laing) 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.

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 1983 (cask 13101) - Xtra Old Patricular (Douglas Laing)

SmokeySherriedLeatheryOld WoodDried Fruit

Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

LeafyHay-likeHoneyFresh Fruit

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