Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1978 - 4th Release (Special Release 2004) vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1978 - 4th Release (Special Release 2004)
Port Ellen
£1999
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Rosebank
★ 4.20
£1499
| Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1978 - 4th Release (Special Release 2004) | Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | Rosebank |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.2% | 55.3% |
| Age | 25 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £1999 | £1499 |
| Rating | — | 4.20/5 |
Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1978 - 4th Release (Special Release 2004)
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1978 - 4th Release (Special Release 2004)
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).
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is better value at £1499 vs £1999.
For beginners: Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1978 - 4th Release (Special Release 2004)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1999 vs £1499)
- −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 affordable (£1499 vs £1999)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1978 - 4th Release (Special Release 2004) 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 25 Year Old 1978 - 4th Release (Special Release 2004)
Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)