Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof vs Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Ruby Flagon

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

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 ProofRoyal Salute 21 Year Old - Ruby Flagon
DistilleryOld Rip Van WinkleRoyal Salute
Region
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonBlended
ABV53.5%40%
Age10 yr21 yr
Price£119£116
Rating5.00/54.38/5

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

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

Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Ruby Flagon

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner85/100
Value38/100

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Ruby Flagon

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.38).

Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Ruby Flagon is better value at £116 vs £119.

For beginners: Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Ruby Flagon is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£119 vs £116)

Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Ruby Flagon

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£116 vs £119)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 10 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.4 vs 5.0)

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.

Who should buy Royal?

Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Ruby Flagon is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Only Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

ToastedVanillaChocolateNew WoodCooked Fruit

Only Royal Salute 21 Year Old - Ruby Flagon

SherriedDried FruitTobaccoHoneyOld Wood

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