Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Tobermory
★ 5.00
£90
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old
Old Rip Van Winkle
★ 3.89
£138
| Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Tobermory | Old Rip Van Winkle |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 51.7% | 45.2% |
| Age | 18 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £89.95 | £137.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.89/5 |
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old
Quick verdict
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.89).
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £90 vs £138.
For beginners: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£89.95 vs £137.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old
Pros
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£137.95 vs £89.95)
- −Lower community rating (3.9 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ledaig?
Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Van?
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Bourbon character.
Tasting notes
Only Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Only Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old