Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£1495
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
Old Rip Van Winkle
★ 4.50
£1500
| Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | Old Rip Van Winkle |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 40% | 53.5% |
| Age | 16 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £1495 | £1500 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.50/5 |
Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
Quick verdict
Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).
Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £1495 vs £1500.
For beginners: Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£1495 vs £1500)
- +Longer maturation (16 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
Pros
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1500 vs £1495)
- −Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
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 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling