Ledaig 17 Year Old 2001 (cask 800063) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs Rock Island 21 Year Old

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

Ledaig 17 Year Old 2001 (cask 800063) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)Rock Island 21 Year Old
DistilleryTobermoryRock Island
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV59%46.8%
Age17 yr21 yr
Price£121.95£99.62
Rating5.00/5

Ledaig 17 Year Old 2001 (cask 800063) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Rock Island 21 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner65/100
Value50/100

Ledaig 17 Year Old 2001 (cask 800063) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rock Island 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rock Island 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Rock Island 21 Year Old is better value at £100 vs £122.

For beginners: Rock Island 21 Year Old is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Ledaig 17 Year Old 2001 (cask 800063) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (59%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£121.95 vs £99.62)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Ledaig?

Ledaig 17 Year Old 2001 (cask 800063) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 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 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

SmokeySherriedDried Fruit

Only Ledaig 17 Year Old 2001 (cask 800063) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

OilyChocolate

Only Rock Island 21 Year Old

Old WoodHoney

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