Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) vs Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Rosebank
★ 4.20
£1499
Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila
£1342
| Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) | Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Rosebank | Caol Ila |
| Region | Lowland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.3% | 53.3% |
| Age | 21 yr | 38 yr |
| Price | £1499 | £1341.5 |
| Rating | 4.20/5 | — |
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is rated higher (4.20 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £1342 vs £1499.
For beginners: Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
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 £1341.5)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£1341.5 vs £1499)
- +Longer maturation (38 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.3%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.2)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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.
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - 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.
Tasting notes
Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Only Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)