Port Ellen 25 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 25 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
DistilleryPort EllenOld Rip Van Winkle
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV57.7%53.5%
Age25 yr10 yr
Price£1200£1500
Rating4.50/5

Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

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

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

Port Ellen 25 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 25 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) is better value at £1200 vs £1500.

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

Port Ellen 25 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£1200 vs £1500)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 10 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.5)

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 £1200)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 25 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 25 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyOld WoodLeatheryDried Fruit

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

VanillaToastedNuttyOily

Explore more