Rock Island 21 Year Old vs Williamson Blended Malt Over 12 Year Old / Thompson Bros Blended Whisky

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

Rock Island 21 Year OldWilliamson Blended Malt Over 12 Year Old / Thompson Bros Blended Whisky
DistilleryRock IslandWilliamson
Region
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeBlended Malt
ABV46.8%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£99.62£103
Rating5.00/5

Rock Island 21 Year Old

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

Williamson Blended Malt Over 12 Year Old / Thompson Bros Blended Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Rock Island 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Williamson Blended Malt Over 12 Year Old / Thompson Bros Blended 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 £103.

For beginners: Williamson Blended Malt Over 12 Year Old / Thompson Bros Blended Whisky is more approachable (70/100 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

Williamson Blended Malt Over 12 Year Old / Thompson Bros Blended Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£103 vs £99.62)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 Williamson?

Williamson Blended Malt Over 12 Year Old / Thompson Bros Blended 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

Dried Fruit

Only Rock Island 21 Year Old

SherriedOld WoodHoneySmokey

Only Williamson Blended Malt Over 12 Year Old / Thompson Bros Blended Whisky

Malt ExtractVanillaToasted

Explore more