Miyagikyo 15 Year Old vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011)

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

Miyagikyo 15 Year OldRosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011)
DistilleryMiyagikyoRosebank
RegionLowland
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV45%53.8%
Age15 yr21 yr
Price£699£999
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value7/100

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner60/100
Value5/100

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old is better value at £699 vs £999.

For beginners: Miyagikyo 15 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£699 vs £999)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 15 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£999 vs £699)

Who should buy Miyagikyo?

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Who should buy Rosebank?

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011) 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

Fresh FruitHoney

Only Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Malt Extract

Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1990 (Special Release 2011)

VegetativeVanilla

Explore more