Rock Island 21 Year Old vs Ledaig 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13341) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Rock Island 21 Year OldLedaig 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13341) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryRock IslandTobermory
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.8%50.9%
Age21 yr21 yr
Price£99.62£164.95
Rating5.00/5

Rock Island 21 Year Old

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

Ledaig 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13341) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Rock Island 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ledaig 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13341) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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 £165.

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

Ledaig 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13341) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£164.95 vs £99.62)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Ledaig?

Ledaig 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13341) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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

Both taste of

Old WoodSmokey

Only Rock Island 21 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitHoney

Only Ledaig 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 13341) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Leathery

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