Ardbeg 1973 / Bot.2003 / Connoisseurs Choice 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.
Ardbeg 1973 / Bot.2003 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky
Ardbeg
£1500
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
Old Rip Van Winkle
★ 4.50
£1500
| Ardbeg 1973 / Bot.2003 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky | Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Old Rip Van Winkle |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | United Kingdom | America |
| Type | Bourbon | |
| ABV | 40% | 53.5% |
| Age | NAS | 10 yr |
| Price | £1500 | £1500 |
| Rating | — | 4.50/5 |
Ardbeg 1973 / Bot.2003 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
Ardbeg 1973 / Bot.2003 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
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 £1500.
For beginners: Ardbeg 1973 / Bot.2003 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 1973 / Bot.2003 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −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
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 1973 / Bot.2003 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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 Ardbeg 1973 / Bot.2003 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky
Only Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling