Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) vs Port Ellen 1983 (bottled 2016) (cask 16055) - Malts of Scotland

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

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)Port Ellen 1983 (bottled 2016) (cask 16055) - Malts of Scotland
DistilleryRosebankPort Ellen
RegionLowlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.3%57.1%
Age21 yr33 yr
Price£1499£1195
Rating4.20/5

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

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

Port Ellen 1983 (bottled 2016) (cask 16055) - Malts of Scotland

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 1983 (bottled 2016) (cask 16055) - Malts of Scotland

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Port Ellen 1983 (bottled 2016) (cask 16055) - Malts of Scotland is better value at £1195 vs £1499.

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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1499 vs £1195)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Ellen 1983 (bottled 2016) (cask 16055) - Malts of Scotland

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£1195 vs £1499)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
  • 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 1983 (bottled 2016) (cask 16055) - Malts of Scotland 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 Port Ellen 1983 (bottled 2016) (cask 16055) - Malts of Scotland

SmokeyMedicinalOld WoodDried Fruit

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