Midleton Very Rare 1996 vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Midleton Very Rare 1996
Midleton
£1200
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Rosebank
★ 4.20
£1499
| Midleton Very Rare 1996 | 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 | £1200 | £1499 |
| Rating | — | 4.20/5 |
Midleton Very Rare 1996
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Midleton Very Rare 1996
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Quick verdict
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is rated higher (4.20 vs 0.00).
Midleton Very Rare 1996 is better value at £1200 vs £1499.
For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 1996 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Midleton Very Rare 1996
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£1200 vs £1499)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.2)
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.2/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1499 vs £1200)
Who should buy Midleton?
Midleton Very Rare 1996 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 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 1996
Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)