Àlainn 27 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) (2018 Release) vs Rock Island 21 Year Old

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

Àlainn 27 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) (2018 Release)Rock Island 21 Year Old
DistilleryMurray McDavidRock Island
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended Malt
ABV44.9%46.8%
Age27 yr21 yr
Price£153.95£99.62
Rating5.00/5

Àlainn 27 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) (2018 Release)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Rock Island 21 Year Old

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

Àlainn 27 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) (2018 Release)

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 £154.

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

Àlainn 27 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) (2018 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (27 vs 21 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£153.95 vs £99.62)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Àlainn?

Àlainn 27 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) (2018 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt 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

SmokeyOld Wood

Only Àlainn 27 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) (2018 Release)

MedicinalLeathery

Only Rock Island 21 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitHoney

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