Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) vs Ardbeg 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #4380 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 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #4380 Islay Whisky
Ardbeg
£1500
| Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) | Ardbeg 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #4380 Islay Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Rosebank | Ardbeg |
| Region | Lowland | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 55.3% | 40% |
| Age | 21 yr | NAS |
| Price | £1499 | £1500 |
| Rating | 4.20/5 | — |
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Ardbeg 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #4380 Islay Whisky
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Ardbeg 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #4380 Islay Whisky
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 £1500.
For beginners: Ardbeg 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #4380 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 affordable (£1499 vs £1500)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ardbeg 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #4380 Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£1500 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 Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #4380 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 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #4380 Islay Whisky