Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Ruby Flagon vs Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Ruby Flagon
Royal Salute
★ 4.38
£116
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof
Old Rip Van Winkle
★ 5.00
£119
| Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Ruby Flagon | Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Royal Salute | Old Rip Van Winkle |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Blended | Bourbon |
| ABV | 40% | 53.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £116 | £119 |
| Rating | 4.38/5 | 5.00/5 |
Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Ruby Flagon
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof
Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Ruby Flagon
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof
Quick verdict
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.38).
Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Ruby Flagon is better value at £116 vs £119.
For beginners: Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Ruby Flagon is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Ruby Flagon
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£116 vs £119)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.4 vs 5.0)
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£119 vs £116)
Who should buy Royal?
Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Ruby Flagon 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 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 Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Ruby Flagon
Only Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof