Rock Island 21 Year Old vs Famous Grouse Vintage 1987 / 12 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

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

Rock Island 21 Year OldFamous Grouse Vintage 1987 / 12 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryRock IslandFamous Grouse
Region
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeBlended Malt
ABV46.8%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£99.62£150
Rating5.00/5

Rock Island 21 Year Old

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

Famous Grouse Vintage 1987 / 12 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Rock Island 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Famous Grouse Vintage 1987 / 12 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

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 £150.

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

Famous Grouse Vintage 1987 / 12 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£150 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 Famous?

Famous Grouse Vintage 1987 / 12 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedDried FruitSmokey

Only Rock Island 21 Year Old

Old WoodHoney

Only Famous Grouse Vintage 1987 / 12 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

Chocolate

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