Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - 6th Release (Special Release 2006) vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - 6th Release (Special Release 2006)
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£1999
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Rosebank
★ 4.20
£1499
| Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - 6th Release (Special Release 2006) | Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | Rosebank |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.2% | 55.3% |
| Age | 27 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £1999 | £1499 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.20/5 |
Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - 6th Release (Special Release 2006)
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - 6th Release (Special Release 2006)
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Quick verdict
Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - 6th Release (Special Release 2006) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.20).
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 27 Year Old 1978 - 6th Release (Special Release 2006)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (27 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1999 vs £1499)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Pros
- +More affordable (£1499 vs £1999)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.2 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - 6th Release (Special Release 2006) 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 27 Year Old 1978 - 6th Release (Special Release 2006)
Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)