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)
Tobermory
£122

Rock Island 21 Year Old
Rock Island
★ 5.00
£100
| Ledaig 17 Year Old 2001 (cask 800063) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) | Rock Island 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Tobermory | Rock Island |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 59% | 46.8% |
| Age | 17 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £121.95 | £99.62 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ledaig 17 Year Old 2001 (cask 800063) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Ledaig 17 Year Old 2001 (cask 800063) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Rock Island 21 Year Old
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
Only Ledaig 17 Year Old 2001 (cask 800063) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Only Rock Island 21 Year Old