Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012) vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£1999
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Rosebank
★ 4.20
£1499
| Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012) | Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Rosebank |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52% | 55.3% |
| Age | 21 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £1999 | £1499 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.20/5 |
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.20).
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is better value at £1499 vs £1999.
For beginners: Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (52%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1999 vs £1499)
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Pros
- +More affordable (£1499 vs £1999)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.2 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012) 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 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 Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)