Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) vs Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling

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

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
DistilleryPort EllenOld Rip Van Winkle
Region
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV55.1%53.5%
Age23 yr10 yr
Price£1495£1500
Rating4.50/5

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling

Smoke0/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value3/100

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling is rated higher (4.50 vs 0.00).

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) is better value at £1495 vs £1500.

For beginners: Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£1495 vs £1500)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 10 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.1%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.5)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.5/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1500 vs £1495)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas 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 Old?

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling 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 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyOld WoodMedicinal

Only Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling

VanillaToastedNuttyOily

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