Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling vs Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2001 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky

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

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 BottlingPort Ellen 1982 / Bot.2001 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky
DistilleryOld Rip Van WinklePort Ellen
Region
CountryAmericaUnited Kingdom
TypeBourbon
ABV53.5%40%
Age10 yrNAS
Price£1500£1200
Rating4.50/5

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

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

Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2001 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2001 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling is rated higher (4.50 vs 0.00).

Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2001 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky is better value at £1200 vs £1500.

For beginners: Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2001 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.5/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1500 vs £1200)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2001 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£1200 vs £1500)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.5)

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 1982 / Bot.2001 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

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

VanillaToastedNuttyOily

Only Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2001 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryOld WoodDried Fruit

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