Cult of Islay 32 Year Old 1988 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid) vs Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

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

Cult of Islay 32 Year Old 1988 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof
DistilleryMurray McDavidOld Rip Van Winkle
Region
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeBlendedBourbon
ABV50%53.5%
Age32 yr10 yr
Price£185£119
Rating5.00/5

Cult of Islay 32 Year Old 1988 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value42/100

Cult of Islay 32 Year Old 1988 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof is better value at £119 vs £185.

For beginners: Cult of Islay 32 Year Old 1988 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Cult of Islay 32 Year Old 1988 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (32 vs 10 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£185 vs £119)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£119 vs £185)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Cult?

Cult of Islay 32 Year Old 1988 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Who should buy Old?

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof 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 Cult of Islay 32 Year Old 1988 - Crafted Blend (Murray McDavid)

SmokeySherriedOld WoodDried FruitOily

Only Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

ToastedVanillaChocolateNew WoodCooked Fruit

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