Ben Nevis 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.83) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) vs Rock Island 21 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Ben Nevis 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.83) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Ben Nevis
£150

Rock Island 21 Year Old
Rock Island
★ 5.00
£100
| Ben Nevis 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.83) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) | Rock Island 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ben Nevis | Rock Island |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 57.5% | 46.8% |
| Age | 11 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £150 | £99.62 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ben Nevis 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.83) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Ben Nevis 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.83) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Rock Island 21 Year Old
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).
Ben Nevis 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.83) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£150 vs £99.62)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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
Who should buy Ben?
Ben Nevis 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.83) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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.
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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Ben Nevis 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 78.83) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Only Rock Island 21 Year Old