Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1980 - Authentic Collection (WM Cadenhead) vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1980 - Authentic Collection (WM Cadenhead)
Port Ellen
£1200
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Rosebank
★ 4.20
£1499
| Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1980 - Authentic Collection (WM Cadenhead) | Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | Rosebank |
| Region | — | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 62.2% | 55.3% |
| Age | 18 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £1200 | £1499 |
| Rating | — | 4.20/5 |
Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1980 - Authentic Collection (WM Cadenhead)
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1980 - Authentic Collection (WM Cadenhead)
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).
Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1980 - Authentic Collection (WM Cadenhead) is better value at £1200 vs £1499.
For beginners: Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1980 - Authentic Collection (WM Cadenhead)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£1200 vs £1499)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (62.2%) — may need water
- −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)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1499 vs £1200)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1980 - Authentic Collection (WM Cadenhead) 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 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 Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1980 - Authentic Collection (WM Cadenhead)
Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)