Chichibu US Edition 2020 vs Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Chichibu US Edition 2020Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryChichibuGirvan
RegionLowland
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV55.5%43.7%
AgeNAS50 yr
Price£499£356.35
Rating5.00/5

Chichibu US Edition 2020

Smoke64/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value14/100

Chichibu US Edition 2020

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £499.

For beginners: Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Chichibu US Edition 2020

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£499 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 £499)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Chichibu?

Chichibu US Edition 2020 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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

Only Chichibu US Edition 2020

SmokeyVanillaCooked FruitHoney

Only Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Old WoodTobaccoLeatheryOilySandy

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