Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) vs Ardbeg 1974 / Bot.1993 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Rosebank
★ 4.20
£1499

Ardbeg 1974 / Bot.1993 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky
Ardbeg
£1350
| Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) | Ardbeg 1974 / Bot.1993 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Rosebank | Ardbeg |
| Region | Lowland | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 55.3% | 40% |
| Age | 21 yr | NAS |
| Price | £1499 | £1350 |
| Rating | 4.20/5 | — |
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Ardbeg 1974 / Bot.1993 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Ardbeg 1974 / Bot.1993 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky
Quick verdict
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is rated higher (4.20 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 1974 / Bot.1993 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky is better value at £1350 vs £1499.
For beginners: Ardbeg 1974 / Bot.1993 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky is more approachable (60/100 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 £1350)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ardbeg 1974 / Bot.1993 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£1350 vs £1499)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
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 Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 1974 / Bot.1993 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Only Ardbeg 1974 / Bot.1993 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky