Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 809) - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Rock Island 21 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 809) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Paul John
★ 5.00
£148

Rock Island 21 Year Old
Rock Island
★ 5.00
£100
| Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 809) - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Rock Island 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Paul John | Rock Island |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | India | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 57.2% | 46.8% |
| Age | 6 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £147.95 | £99.62 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 809) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 809) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Quick verdict
Rock Island 21 Year Old is better value at £100 vs £148.
For beginners: Rock Island 21 Year Old is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 809) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (57.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£147.95 vs £99.62)
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£99.62 vs £147.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Paul?
Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 809) - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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 Rock?
Rock Island 21 Year Old 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
Only Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 809) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Rock Island 21 Year Old