Ardbeg 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 4586) - Moscatel Barrel (Fèis Ìle 2019) vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

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

Ardbeg 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 4586) - Moscatel Barrel (Fèis Ìle 2019)Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
DistilleryArdbegRosebank
RegionLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.5%55.3%
Age13 yr21 yr
Price£1800£1499
Rating4.20/5

Ardbeg 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 4586) - Moscatel Barrel (Fèis Ìle 2019)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

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

Ardbeg 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 4586) - Moscatel Barrel (Fèis Ìle 2019)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £1800.

For beginners: Ardbeg 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 4586) - Moscatel Barrel (Fèis Ìle 2019) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 4586) - Moscatel Barrel (Fèis Ìle 2019)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1800 vs £1499)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.2)

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.2/5)
  • +More affordable (£1499 vs £1800)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 13 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 4586) - Moscatel Barrel (Fèis Ìle 2019) 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 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.

Tasting notes

Only Ardbeg 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 4586) - Moscatel Barrel (Fèis Ìle 2019)

SmokeySherriedChocolateDried FruitOily

Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

LeafyHay-likeHoneyFresh Fruit

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