Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) vs Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Rosebank
★ 4.20
£1499
Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series
Bowmore
£2200
| Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) | Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Rosebank | Bowmore |
| Region | Lowland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.3% | 45.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £1499 | £2200 |
| Rating | 4.20/5 | — |
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series
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 £2200.
For beginners: Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.2/5)
- +More affordable (£1499 vs £2200)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£2200 vs £1499)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.2)
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 Bowmore?
Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series 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 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Only Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series