Lagavulin 26 Year Old (Special Release 2021) vs Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 26 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Lagavulin
£1999
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
Old Rip Van Winkle
★ 4.50
£1500
| Lagavulin 26 Year Old (Special Release 2021) | Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Old Rip Van Winkle |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 44.2% | 53.5% |
| Age | 26 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £1999 | £1500 |
| Rating | — | 4.50/5 |
Lagavulin 26 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
Lagavulin 26 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling
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 £1999.
For beginners: Lagavulin 26 Year Old (Special Release 2021) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 26 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 10 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£1999 vs £1500)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.5)
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 £1999)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 26 Year Old (Special Release 2021) 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 Lagavulin 26 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Only Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling