Port Ellen 1983 (bottled 2016) (cask 16055) - Malts of Scotland vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

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

Port Ellen 1983 (bottled 2016) (cask 16055) - Malts of ScotlandRosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
DistilleryPort EllenRosebank
RegionIslayLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.1%55.3%
Age33 yr21 yr
Price£1195£1499
Rating4.20/5

Port Ellen 1983 (bottled 2016) (cask 16055) - Malts of Scotland

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

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

Port Ellen 1983 (bottled 2016) (cask 16055) - Malts of Scotland

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 1983 (bottled 2016) (cask 16055) - Malts of Scotland is better value at £1195 vs £1499.

For beginners: Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 1983 (bottled 2016) (cask 16055) - Malts of Scotland

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£1195 vs £1499)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — 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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1499 vs £1195)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 1983 (bottled 2016) (cask 16055) - Malts of Scotland 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 1983 (bottled 2016) (cask 16055) - Malts of Scotland

SmokeyMedicinalOld WoodDried Fruit

Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)

LeafyHay-likeHoneyFresh Fruit

Explore more