Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) vs The Macallan 18 Year Old 1989 Sherry Oak
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Rosebank
★ 4.20
£1499
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1989 Sherry Oak
The Macallan
£1699
| Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) | The Macallan 18 Year Old 1989 Sherry Oak | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Rosebank | The Macallan |
| Region | Lowland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.3% | 43% |
| Age | 21 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £1499 | £1699 |
| Rating | 4.20/5 | — |
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1989 Sherry Oak
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1989 Sherry Oak
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 £1699.
For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old 1989 Sherry Oak 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 affordable (£1499 vs £1699)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1989 Sherry Oak
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£1699 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 The?
The Macallan 18 Year Old 1989 Sherry Oak 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)
Only The Macallan 18 Year Old 1989 Sherry Oak