Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Barrel Select Release - Palo Cortado Finish vs Rock Island Sherry Edition

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

Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Barrel Select Release - Palo Cortado FinishRock Island Sherry Edition
DistilleryGlenmorangieRock Island
RegionHighlandIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV46%46.8%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£71.25£50
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Barrel Select Release - Palo Cortado Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner65/100
Value70/100

Rock Island Sherry Edition

Smoke64/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Barrel Select Release - Palo Cortado Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rock Island Sherry Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rock Island Sherry Edition is better value at £50 vs £71.

For beginners: Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Barrel Select Release - Palo Cortado Finish is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Barrel Select Release - Palo Cortado Finish

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£71.25 vs £50)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Rock Island Sherry Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£50 vs £71.25)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Glenmorangie?

Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Barrel Select Release - Palo Cortado Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy Rock?

Rock Island Sherry Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedDried Fruit

Only Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Barrel Select Release - Palo Cortado Finish

HoneyVanillaToasted

Only Rock Island Sherry Edition

SmokeySandyNutty

Where to buy

Glenmorangie 12 Year Old Barrel Select Release - Palo Cortado Finish

Rock Island Sherry Edition

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