Ardmore 9 Year Old 2011 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr) vs Rock Island Tequila Edition

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

Ardmore 9 Year Old 2011 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr)Rock Island Tequila Edition
DistilleryArdmoreRock Island
RegionHighlandIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV47.5%48%
Age9 yrNAS
Price£44.95£60.75
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ardmore 9 Year Old 2011 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

Rock Island Tequila Edition

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner65/100
Value82/100

Ardmore 9 Year Old 2011 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rock Island Tequila Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardmore 9 Year Old 2011 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr) is better value at £45 vs £61.

For beginners: Rock Island Tequila Edition is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 9 Year Old 2011 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£44.95 vs £60.75)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Rock Island Tequila Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£60.75 vs £44.95)

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 9 Year Old 2011 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy Rock?

Rock Island Tequila 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Ardmore 9 Year Old 2011 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr)

SherriedDried FruitChocolate

Only Rock Island Tequila Edition

OilyFresh FruitVanillaCitric

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