Highland Park 2007 / 17 Year Old / Cask #5358 / Connoisseurs Choice Island Whisky vs Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

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

Highland Park 2007 / 17 Year Old / Cask #5358 / Connoisseurs Choice Island WhiskyOld Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof
DistilleryHighland ParkOld Rip Van Winkle
Region
CountryUnited KingdomAmerica
TypeBourbon
ABV40%53.5%
AgeNAS10 yr
Price£156£119
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 2007 / 17 Year Old / Cask #5358 / Connoisseurs Choice Island Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness73/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value42/100

Highland Park 2007 / 17 Year Old / Cask #5358 / Connoisseurs Choice Island Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof is better value at £119 vs £156.

For beginners: Highland Park 2007 / 17 Year Old / Cask #5358 / Connoisseurs Choice Island Whisky is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 2007 / 17 Year Old / Cask #5358 / Connoisseurs Choice Island Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£156 vs £119)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£119 vs £156)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 2007 / 17 Year Old / Cask #5358 / Connoisseurs Choice Island Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Old?

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof 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 Highland Park 2007 / 17 Year Old / Cask #5358 / Connoisseurs Choice Island Whisky

SherriedSmokeyHoney

Only Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

ToastedVanillaChocolateNew WoodCooked Fruit

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