Caol Ila 14 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Sestante Islay Whisky vs Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling

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

Caol Ila 14 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Sestante Islay WhiskyOld Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
DistilleryCaol IlaOld Rip Van Winkle
Region
CountryUnited KingdomAmerica
TypeBourbon
ABV40%53.5%
AgeNAS10 yr
Price£2500£1500
Rating4.50/5

Caol Ila 14 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Sestante Islay Whisky

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling

Smoke0/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value3/100

Caol Ila 14 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Sestante Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £2500.

For beginners: Caol Ila 14 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Sestante Islay Whisky is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 14 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Sestante Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£2500 vs £1500)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.5)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 £2500)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 14 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Sestante Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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

Both taste of

Oily

Only Caol Ila 14 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Sestante Islay Whisky

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalCoal-gas

Only Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling

VanillaToastedNutty

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