Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series
Bowmore
£2200
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Rosebank
★ 4.20
£1499
| Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series | Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Rosebank |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 45.5% | 55.3% |
| Age | 33 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £2200 | £1499 |
| Rating | — | 4.20/5 |
Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Quick verdict
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is rated higher (4.20 vs 0.00).
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is better value at £1499 vs £2200.
For beginners: Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£2200 vs £1499)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.2)
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.2/5)
- +More affordable (£1499 vs £2200)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Rosebank?
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) 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
Only Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series
Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)