Rock Island 21 Year Old vs Strathmill 22 Year Old 1996 (cask 2101) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Rock Island 21 Year OldStrathmill 22 Year Old 1996 (cask 2101) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryRock IslandStrathmill
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.8%55.8%
Age21 yr22 yr
Price£99.62£104.95
Rating5.00/5

Rock Island 21 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner65/100
Value50/100

Strathmill 22 Year Old 1996 (cask 2101) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness38/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Rock Island 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Strathmill 22 Year Old 1996 (cask 2101) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £105.

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

Strathmill 22 Year Old 1996 (cask 2101) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (22 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£104.95 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 Strathmill?

Strathmill 22 Year Old 1996 (cask 2101) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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

Old Wood

Only Rock Island 21 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitHoneySmokey

Only Strathmill 22 Year Old 1996 (cask 2101) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Malt ExtractFresh FruitToastedNutty

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