Rock Island 21 Year Old vs Àlainn 27 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) (2018 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Rock Island
★ 5.00
£100
Àlainn 27 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) (2018 Release)
Murray McDavid
£154
| Rock Island 21 Year Old | Àlainn 27 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) (2018 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Rock Island | Murray McDavid |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 46.8% | 44.9% |
| Age | 21 yr | 27 yr |
| Price | £99.62 | £153.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Àlainn 27 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) (2018 Release)
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Àlainn 27 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) (2018 Release)
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 £154.
For beginners: Rock Island 21 Year Old is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
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
Àlainn 27 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) (2018 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (27 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£153.95 vs £99.62)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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.
Who should buy Àlainn?
Àlainn 27 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) (2018 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Rock Island 21 Year Old
Only Àlainn 27 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) (2018 Release)