Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory) vs Rock Island Sherry Edition

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

Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)Rock Island Sherry Edition
DistilleryLinkwoodRock Island
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV43%46.8%
Age18 yrNAS
Price£42.74£50
Rating5.00/5

Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Rock Island Sherry Edition

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

Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rock Island Sherry Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rock Island Sherry Edition is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory) is better value at £43 vs £50.

For beginners: Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£42.74 vs £50)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Rock Island Sherry Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£50 vs £42.74)

Who should buy Linkwood?

Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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

Dried Fruit

Only Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaToasted

Only Rock Island Sherry Edition

SherriedSmokeySandyNutty

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