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)
Linkwood
£43

Rock Island Sherry Edition
Rock Island
★ 5.00
£50
| Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory) | Rock Island Sherry Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Linkwood | Rock Island |
| Region | Speyside | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 46.8% |
| Age | 18 yr | NAS |
| Price | £42.74 | £50 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)
Rock Island Sherry Edition
Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)
Rock Island Sherry Edition
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
Only Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)
Only Rock Island Sherry Edition