Ardbeg 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 346) - Refill Bourbon Barrel (Angel's Share) vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 346) - Refill Bourbon Barrel (Angel's Share)
Ardbeg
£1200
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Rosebank
★ 4.20
£1499
| Ardbeg 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 346) - Refill Bourbon Barrel (Angel's Share) | Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Rosebank |
| Region | — | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 42% | 55.3% |
| Age | 20 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £1200 | £1499 |
| Rating | — | 4.20/5 |
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 346) - Refill Bourbon Barrel (Angel's Share)
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 346) - Refill Bourbon Barrel (Angel's Share)
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Quick verdict
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is rated higher (4.20 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 346) - Refill Bourbon Barrel (Angel's Share) is better value at £1200 vs £1499.
For beginners: Ardbeg 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 346) - Refill Bourbon Barrel (Angel's Share) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 346) - Refill Bourbon Barrel (Angel's Share)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£1200 vs £1499)
Cons
- −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)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 20 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1499 vs £1200)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 346) - Refill Bourbon Barrel (Angel's Share) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
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 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 346) - Refill Bourbon Barrel (Angel's Share)
Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)