Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley vs Rosebank 22 Year Old 1981 - Rare Malts
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Bruichladdich
★ 4.31
£599
Rosebank 22 Year Old 1981 - Rare Malts
Rosebank
★ 5.00
£950
| Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley | Rosebank 22 Year Old 1981 - Rare Malts | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bruichladdich | Rosebank |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 64% | 61.1% |
| Age | 5 yr | 22 yr |
| Price | £599 | £950 |
| Rating | 4.31/5 | 5.00/5 |
Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Rosebank 22 Year Old 1981 - Rare Malts
Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Rosebank 22 Year Old 1981 - Rare Malts
Quick verdict
Rosebank 22 Year Old 1981 - Rare Malts is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.31).
Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley is better value at £599 vs £950.
For beginners: Rosebank 22 Year Old 1981 - Rare Malts is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£599 vs £950)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (64%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.3 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Rosebank 22 Year Old 1981 - Rare Malts
Pros
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (22 vs 5 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (61.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£950 vs £599)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Octomore?
Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley 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.
Who should buy Rosebank?
Rosebank 22 Year Old 1981 - Rare Malts 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 Octomore 06.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Only Rosebank 22 Year Old 1981 - Rare Malts