Blanton's Gold Edition vs Rock Island 21 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Blanton's Gold Edition | Rock Island 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Blanton's | Rock Island |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 51.5% | 46.8% |
| Age | NAS | 21 yr |
| Price | £105 | £99.62 |
| Rating | 4.75/5 | 5.00/5 |
Blanton's Gold Edition
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Blanton's Gold Edition
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Quick verdict
Rock Island 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.75).
Rock Island 21 Year Old is better value at £100 vs £105.
For beginners: Rock Island 21 Year Old is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Blanton's Gold Edition
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£105 vs £99.62)
- −Lower community rating (4.7 vs 5.0)
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Blanton's?
Blanton's Gold Edition suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Who should buy Rock?
Rock Island 21 Year Old suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Blanton's Gold Edition
Only Rock Island 21 Year Old