Bruichladdich 1970 / 35 Year Old / 125th Anniversary Islay Whisky vs Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling

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

Bruichladdich 1970 / 35 Year Old / 125th Anniversary Islay WhiskyOld Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
DistilleryBruichladdichOld Rip Van Winkle
Region
CountryUnited KingdomAmerica
TypeBourbon
ABV40%53.5%
AgeNAS10 yr
Price£2000£1500
Rating4.50/5

Bruichladdich 1970 / 35 Year Old / 125th Anniversary Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness73/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

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

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

Bruichladdich 1970 / 35 Year Old / 125th Anniversary Islay Whisky

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).

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling is better value at £1500 vs £2000.

For beginners: Bruichladdich 1970 / 35 Year Old / 125th Anniversary Islay Whisky is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Bruichladdich 1970 / 35 Year Old / 125th Anniversary Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£2000 vs £1500)
  • 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 affordable (£1500 vs £2000)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Who should buy Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 1970 / 35 Year Old / 125th Anniversary Islay Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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 Bruichladdich 1970 / 35 Year Old / 125th Anniversary Islay Whisky

SmokeyOld WoodSherriedHoneyCitric

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

VanillaToastedNuttyOily

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