Secret Speyside Distillery 21 Year Old 1997 (Master of Malt) vs Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

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

Secret Speyside Distillery 21 Year Old 1997 (Master of Malt)Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof
DistilleryUnknown Origin WhiskyOld Rip Van Winkle
Region
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV55.9%53.5%
Age21 yr10 yr
Price£124.95£119
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Secret Speyside Distillery 21 Year Old 1997 (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value40/100

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value42/100

Secret Speyside Distillery 21 Year Old 1997 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof is better value at £119 vs £125.

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

Secret Speyside Distillery 21 Year Old 1997 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 10 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£124.95 vs £119)

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£119 vs £124.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.5%) — may need water

Who should buy Secret?

Secret Speyside Distillery 21 Year Old 1997 (Master of Malt) 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 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

Both taste of

Cooked FruitToasted

Only Secret Speyside Distillery 21 Year Old 1997 (Master of Malt)

SherriedDried FruitHoney

Only Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

VanillaChocolateNew Wood

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