Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling vs Highland Park 30 Year Old (2023 Release)

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

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 BottlingHighland Park 30 Year Old (2023 Release)
DistilleryOld Rip Van WinkleHighland Park
RegionIsland
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV53.5%45.1%
Age10 yr30 yr
Price£1500£1225
Rating4.50/5

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

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

Highland Park 30 Year Old (2023 Release)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 30 Year Old (2023 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling is rated higher (4.50 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 30 Year Old (2023 Release) is better value at £1225 vs £1500.

For beginners: Highland Park 30 Year Old (2023 Release) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.5/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1500 vs £1225)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Highland Park 30 Year Old (2023 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£1225 vs £1500)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 10 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.5)

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 Highland?

Highland Park 30 Year Old (2023 Release) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

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

VanillaToastedNuttyOily

Only Highland Park 30 Year Old (2023 Release)

SherriedHoneyOld WoodSmokeyDried Fruit

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