Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) vs Midleton Very Rare 1996

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)Midleton Very Rare 1996
DistilleryRosebankMidleton
RegionLowland
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV55.3%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£1499£1200
Rating4.20/5

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

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

Midleton Very Rare 1996

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Midleton Very Rare 1996

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is rated higher (4.20 vs 0.00).

Midleton Very Rare 1996 is better value at £1200 vs £1499.

For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 1996 is more approachable (85/100 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 £1200)

Midleton Very Rare 1996

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£1200 vs £1499)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • 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 Midleton?

Midleton Very Rare 1996 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

LeafyHay-likeHoneyFresh Fruit

Only Midleton Very Rare 1996

SherriedVanillaChocolateDried FruitOld Wood

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