Bowmore 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 4435) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) vs Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 4435) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
Bowmore
★ 5.00
£2381
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
Old Rip Van Winkle
★ 4.50
£1500
| Bowmore 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 4435) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) | 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 | 49.6% | 53.5% |
| Age | 42 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £2380.52 | £1500 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.50/5 |
Bowmore 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 4435) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
Bowmore 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 4435) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
Quick verdict
Bowmore 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 4435) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling is better value at £1500 vs £2381.
For beginners: Bowmore 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 4435) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 4435) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (42 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£2380.52 vs £1500)
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£1500 vs £2380.52)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 4435) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) 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 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 4435) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
Only Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling