Black Bottle vs Glenrothes 23 Year Old 1990 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Black Bottle
Black Bottle
★ 3.45
£22

Glenrothes 23 Year Old 1990 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Glenrothes
£16
| Black Bottle | Glenrothes 23 Year Old 1990 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Black Bottle | Glenrothes |
| Region | Other Scotch | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | 10 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £21.5 | £16.1 |
| Rating | 3.45/5 | — |
Black Bottle
Glenrothes 23 Year Old 1990 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Black Bottle
Glenrothes 23 Year Old 1990 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Quick verdict
Black Bottle is rated higher (3.45 vs 0.00).
Glenrothes 23 Year Old 1990 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is better value at £16 vs £22.
For beginners: Black Bottle is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Black Bottle
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (3.4/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£21.5 vs £16.1)
Glenrothes 23 Year Old 1990 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£16.1 vs £21.5)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 3.4)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Black?
Black Bottle suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Who should buy Glenrothes?
Glenrothes 23 Year Old 1990 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) 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
Only Black Bottle
Only Glenrothes 23 Year Old 1990 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)