Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling vs Highland Park 35 Year Old 1987 (cask 21604501) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 BottlingHighland Park 35 Year Old 1987 (cask 21604501) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryOld Rip Van WinkleHighland Park
RegionIsland
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV53.5%56.9%
Age10 yr35 yr
Price£1500£1200
Rating4.50/5

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

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

Highland Park 35 Year Old 1987 (cask 21604501) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness73/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 35 Year Old 1987 (cask 21604501) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Highland Park 35 Year Old 1987 (cask 21604501) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £1200 vs £1500.

For beginners: Highland Park 35 Year Old 1987 (cask 21604501) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (50/100 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 £1200)

Highland Park 35 Year Old 1987 (cask 21604501) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£1200 vs £1500)
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 10 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.9%) — may need water
  • 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 35 Year Old 1987 (cask 21604501) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 35 Year Old 1987 (cask 21604501) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Old WoodLeatheryTobaccoSherriedHoney

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