Rock Island 21 Year Old vs Starward 5 Year Old 2011 (cask 573) (Adelphi)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Rock Island
★ 5.00
£100
Starward 5 Year Old 2011 (cask 573) (Adelphi)
Starward
£120
| Rock Island 21 Year Old | Starward 5 Year Old 2011 (cask 573) (Adelphi) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Rock Island | Starward |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Australia |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46.8% | 58.9% |
| Age | 21 yr | 5 yr |
| Price | £99.62 | £119.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Starward 5 Year Old 2011 (cask 573) (Adelphi)
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Starward 5 Year Old 2011 (cask 573) (Adelphi)
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 £120.
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
Starward 5 Year Old 2011 (cask 573) (Adelphi)
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£119.95 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 Starward?
Starward 5 Year Old 2011 (cask 573) (Adelphi) 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 Starward 5 Year Old 2011 (cask 573) (Adelphi)