Lagavulin 25 Year Old (Special Release 2002) vs Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling

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

Lagavulin 25 Year Old (Special Release 2002)Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
DistilleryLagavulinOld Rip Van Winkle
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV57.2%53.5%
Age25 yr10 yr
Price£1999£1500
Rating4.50/5

Lagavulin 25 Year Old (Special Release 2002)

Smoke63/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

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

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

Lagavulin 25 Year Old (Special Release 2002)

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 £1999.

For beginners: Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 25 Year Old (Special Release 2002)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 10 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (57.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1999 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 £1999)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 25 Year Old (Special Release 2002) 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 - 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 Lagavulin 25 Year Old (Special Release 2002)

SmokeyMedicinalOld WoodRubbery

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

VanillaToastedNuttyOily

Explore more