Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling vs Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 BottlingPort Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryOld Rip Van WinklePort Ellen
Region
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV53.5%40%
Age10 yr16 yr
Price£1500£1495
Rating4.50/55.00/5

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

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

Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value3/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £1495 vs £1500.

For beginners: Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1500 vs £1495)
  • Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)

Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£1495 vs £1500)
  • +Longer maturation (16 vs 10 years)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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.

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

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

VanillaToastedNuttyOily

Only Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryOld WoodKippery

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