Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) vs Macallan 30 Year Old 1988 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)Macallan 30 Year Old 1988 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryRosebankThe Macallan
RegionLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.3%52%
Age21 yr30 yr
Price£1499£1999.95
Rating4.20/55.00/5

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

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

Macallan 30 Year Old 1988 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value3/100

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Macallan 30 Year Old 1988 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Macallan 30 Year Old 1988 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.20).

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is better value at £1499 vs £2000.

For beginners: Macallan 30 Year Old 1988 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£1499 vs £1999.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.2 vs 5.0)

Macallan 30 Year Old 1988 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1999.95 vs £1499)

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 Macallan?

Macallan 30 Year Old 1988 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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)

LeafyHay-likeHoneyFresh Fruit

Only Macallan 30 Year Old 1988 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SherriedDried FruitOld WoodChocolateTobacco

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