Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series vs Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series
Bowmore
£2200
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
Old Rip Van Winkle
★ 4.50
£1500
| Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series | Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Old Rip Van Winkle |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 45.5% | 53.5% |
| Age | 33 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £2200 | £1500 |
| Rating | — | 4.50/5 |
Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
Quick verdict
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling is rated higher (4.50 vs 0.00).
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling is better value at £1500 vs £2200.
For beginners: Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 10 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£2200 vs £1500)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.5)
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.5/5)
- +More affordable (£1500 vs £2200)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
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.
Tasting notes
Only Bowmore 33 Year Old 1988 - Timeless Series
Only Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling