South Island 21 Year Old 1990 vs Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
South Island 21 Year Old 1990
The New Zealand Whisky Company
£117
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof
Old Rip Van Winkle
★ 5.00
£119
| South Island 21 Year Old 1990 | Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The New Zealand Whisky Company | Old Rip Van Winkle |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | New Zealand | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 40% | 53.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £116.59 | £119 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
South Island 21 Year Old 1990
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof
South Island 21 Year Old 1990
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof
Quick verdict
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
South Island 21 Year Old 1990 is better value at £117 vs £119.
For beginners: South Island 21 Year Old 1990 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
South Island 21 Year Old 1990
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£116.59 vs £119)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −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 widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£119 vs £116.59)
Who should buy South?
South Island 21 Year Old 1990 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 South Island 21 Year Old 1990
Only Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof