Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2001 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

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

Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2001 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay WhiskyRosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
DistilleryPort EllenRosebank
RegionLowland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%55.3%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£1200£1499
Rating4.20/5

Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2001 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner35/100
Value3/100

Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2001 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is rated higher (4.20 vs 0.00).

Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2001 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky is better value at £1200 vs £1499.

For beginners: Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2001 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2001 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£1200 vs £1499)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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)
  • +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 1982 / Bot.2001 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

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 1982 / Bot.2001 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryOld WoodDried Fruit

Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

LeafyHay-likeHoneyFresh Fruit

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