Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) vs Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (cask 13765) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Rosebank
★ 4.20
£1499
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (cask 13765) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Port Ellen
£1895
| Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) | Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (cask 13765) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Rosebank | Port Ellen |
| Region | Lowland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.3% | 54.3% |
| Age | 21 yr | 35 yr |
| Price | £1499 | £1895 |
| Rating | 4.20/5 | — |
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (cask 13765) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (cask 13765) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
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 £1895.
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 affordable (£1499 vs £1895)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (cask 13765) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1895 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 Port?
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (cask 13765) - Xtra Old Particular (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.
Tasting notes
Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Only Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1983 (cask 13765) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)