Rock Island 21 Year Old vs Tomatin 18 Year Old 2006 (cask 3898) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Rock Island 21 Year OldTomatin 18 Year Old 2006 (cask 3898) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryRock IslandTomatin
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.8%54.3%
Age21 yr18 yr
Price£99.62£139.95
Rating5.00/5

Rock Island 21 Year Old

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

Tomatin 18 Year Old 2006 (cask 3898) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Rock Island 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tomatin 18 Year Old 2006 (cask 3898) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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 £140.

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

Tomatin 18 Year Old 2006 (cask 3898) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (54.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 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 Tomatin?

Tomatin 18 Year Old 2006 (cask 3898) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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

Honey

Only Rock Island 21 Year Old

SherriedOld WoodDried FruitSmokey

Only Tomatin 18 Year Old 2006 (cask 3898) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

VanillaFresh FruitToastedMalt Extract

Where to buy

Rock Island 21 Year Old

Tomatin 18 Year Old 2006 (cask 3898) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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