Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 375) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) vs Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

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

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 375) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof
DistilleryHighland ParkOld Rip Van Winkle
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV46%53.5%
Age28 yr10 yr
Price£179.23£119
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 375) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value42/100

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 375) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof is better value at £119 vs £179.

For beginners: Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 375) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 375) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 10 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£179.23 vs £119)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£119 vs £179.23)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 375) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Who should buy Old?

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof 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

Toasted

Only Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 375) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

SherriedOld WoodHoneySmokeyDried Fruit

Only Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

VanillaChocolateNew WoodCooked Fruit

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