Midleton Very Rare 1985 vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Midleton Very Rare 1985
Midleton
★ 3.00
£1999

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Rosebank
★ 4.20
£1499
| Midleton Very Rare 1985 | Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Midleton | Rosebank |
| Region | — | Lowland |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 55.3% |
| Age | NAS | 21 yr |
| Price | £1999 | £1499 |
| Rating | 3.00/5 | 4.20/5 |
Midleton Very Rare 1985
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Midleton Very Rare 1985
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Quick verdict
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is rated higher (4.20 vs 3.00).
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is better value at £1499 vs £1999.
For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 1985 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Midleton Very Rare 1985
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£1999 vs £1499)
- −Lower community rating (3.0 vs 4.2)
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.2/5)
- +More affordable (£1499 vs £1999)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
Who should buy Midleton?
Midleton Very Rare 1985 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
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 Midleton Very Rare 1985
Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)