Charlie Parry’s Cask Strength Straight Bourbon vs Rock Island Tequila Edition

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

Charlie Parry’s Cask Strength Straight BourbonRock Island Tequila Edition
DistilleryCharlie Parry'sRock Island
RegionIsland
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonBlended Malt
ABV59.6%48%
AgeNASNAS
Price£50.76£60.75
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Charlie Parry’s Cask Strength Straight Bourbon

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner40/100
Value99/100

Rock Island Tequila Edition

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner65/100
Value82/100

Charlie Parry’s Cask Strength Straight Bourbon

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rock Island Tequila Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Charlie Parry’s Cask Strength Straight Bourbon is better value at £51 vs £61.

For beginners: Rock Island Tequila Edition is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Charlie Parry’s Cask Strength Straight Bourbon

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£50.76 vs £60.75)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (59.6%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Rock Island Tequila Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£60.75 vs £50.76)

Who should buy Charlie?

Charlie Parry’s Cask Strength Straight Bourbon 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 Tequila Edition 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

Vanilla

Only Charlie Parry’s Cask Strength Straight Bourbon

ToastedHoneyNew WoodNutty

Only Rock Island Tequila Edition

SmokeyOilyFresh FruitCitric

Explore more