Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling vs Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)

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

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 BottlingLagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
DistilleryOld Rip Van WinkleLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV53.5%52%
Age10 yr21 yr
Price£1500£1999
Rating4.50/55.00/5

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

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

Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value3/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

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).

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

Pros

  • +More affordable (£1500 vs £1999)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 10 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1999 vs £1500)

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.

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012) 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 Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling

VanillaToastedNuttyOily

Only Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)

SmokeySherriedOld WoodLeatheryDried Fruit

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