Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs SMWS 33.136 10 Year Old 2008
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Girvan
★ 5.00
£356
SMWS 33.136 10 Year Old 2008
Ardbeg
£495
| Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | SMWS 33.136 10 Year Old 2008 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Girvan | Ardbeg |
| Region | Lowland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43.7% | 51.7% |
| Age | 50 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £356.35 | £495 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
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)
SMWS 33.136 10 Year Old 2008
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).
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
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)
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.
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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only SMWS 33.136 10 Year Old 2008