Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1978 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) vs Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1978 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Port Ellen
£1207
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Rosebank
★ 4.20
£1499
| Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1978 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) | Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | Rosebank |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 55.3% |
| Age | 35 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £1207.43 | £1499 |
| Rating | — | 4.20/5 |
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1978 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1978 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
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 35 Year Old 1978 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is better value at £1207 vs £1499.
For beginners: Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1978 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£1207.43 vs £1499)
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — 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 £1207.43)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1978 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) 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 35 Year Old 1978 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Only Rosebank 21 Year Old 1992 (Special Release 2014)