Aberlour 18 Year Old vs Rock Island 21 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Aberlour 18 Year Old | Rock Island 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Aberlour | Rock Island |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 46.8% |
| Age | 18 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £140.75 | £99.62 |
| Rating | 4.67/5 | 5.00/5 |
Aberlour 18 Year Old
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Aberlour 18 Year Old
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Quick verdict
Rock Island 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.67).
Rock Island 21 Year Old is better value at £100 vs £141.
For beginners: Aberlour 18 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Aberlour 18 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£140.75 vs £99.62)
- −Lower community rating (4.7 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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 Aberlour?
Aberlour 18 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
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 Aberlour 18 Year Old
Only Rock Island 21 Year Old
Where to buy
Aberlour 18 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange