Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Rock Island 21 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Glen Elgin
★ 5.00
£136
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Rock Island
★ 5.00
£100
| Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | Rock Island 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Elgin | Rock Island |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 55.7% | 46.8% |
| Age | 20 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £135.95 | £99.62 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Quick verdict
Rock Island 21 Year Old is better value at £100 vs £136.
For beginners: Rock Island 21 Year Old is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£135.95 vs £99.62)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£99.62 vs £135.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Glen?
Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 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
Only Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1997 (batch 18/003) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Rock Island 21 Year Old