Rock Island 21 Year Old vs SMWS No. 13.42 11 Year Old 1996
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Rock Island 21 Year Old | SMWS No. 13.42 11 Year Old 1996 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Rock Island | Dalmore |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46.8% | 62.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 11 yr |
| Price | £99.62 | £154.55 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Rock Island 21 Year Old
SMWS No. 13.42 11 Year Old 1996
Rock Island 21 Year Old
SMWS No. 13.42 11 Year Old 1996
Quick verdict
Rock Island 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Rock Island 21 Year Old is better value at £100 vs £155.
For beginners: Rock Island 21 Year Old is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
SMWS No. 13.42 11 Year Old 1996
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (62.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£154.55 vs £99.62)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Rock?
Rock Island 21 Year Old suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Who should buy SMWS?
SMWS No. 13.42 11 Year Old 1996 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
Both taste of
Only Rock Island 21 Year Old
Only SMWS No. 13.42 11 Year Old 1996