Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Tequila Finish / Special Releases 2023 Islay Whisky vs Rock Island 21 Year Old

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Tequila Finish / Special Releases 2023 Islay WhiskyRock Island 21 Year Old
DistilleryLagavulinRock Island
Region
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeBlended Malt
ABV40%46.8%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£146£99.62
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Tequila Finish / Special Releases 2023 Islay Whisky

Smoke66/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Rock Island 21 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner65/100
Value50/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Tequila Finish / Special Releases 2023 Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rock Island 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £146.

For beginners: Rock Island 21 Year Old is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Tequila Finish / Special Releases 2023 Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£146 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 Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Tequila Finish / Special Releases 2023 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

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

Smokey

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Tequila Finish / Special Releases 2023 Islay Whisky

CitricFresh FruitCoal-gasMedicinal

Only Rock Island 21 Year Old

SherriedOld WoodDried FruitHoney

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Tequila Finish / Special Releases 2023 Islay Whisky

Rock Island 21 Year Old

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