SMWS 33.136 10 Year Old 2008 vs Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
SMWS 33.136 10 Year Old 2008
Ardbeg
£495
Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Girvan
★ 5.00
£356
| SMWS 33.136 10 Year Old 2008 | Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Girvan |
| Region | — | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 51.7% | 43.7% |
| Age | 10 yr | 50 yr |
| Price | £495 | £356.35 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
SMWS 33.136 10 Year Old 2008
Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
SMWS 33.136 10 Year Old 2008
Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £356 vs £495.
For beginners: Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
SMWS 33.136 10 Year Old 2008
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£495 vs £356.35)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£356.35 vs £495)
- +Longer maturation (50 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy SMWS?
SMWS 33.136 10 Year Old 2008 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 Girvan?
Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only SMWS 33.136 10 Year Old 2008
Only Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)