Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01 vs Rock Island 21 Year Old

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

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01Rock Island 21 Year Old
DistilleryBruichladdichRock Island
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV54.5%46.8%
Age9 yr21 yr
Price£109.95£99.62
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value45/100

Rock Island 21 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner65/100
Value50/100

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rock Island 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rock Island 21 Year Old is better value at £100 vs £110.

For beginners: Rock Island 21 Year Old is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£109.95 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 £109.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Port?

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01 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

Smokey

Only Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2013 PMC:01

Fresh FruitVanillaCooked FruitToasted

Only Rock Island 21 Year Old

SherriedOld WoodDried FruitHoney

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