Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof vs South Island 21 Year Old 1990

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

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 ProofSouth Island 21 Year Old 1990
DistilleryOld Rip Van WinkleThe New Zealand Whisky Company
Region
CountryAmericaNew Zealand
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV53.5%40%
Age10 yr21 yr
Price£119£116.59
Rating5.00/5

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

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

South Island 21 Year Old 1990

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

South Island 21 Year Old 1990

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

South Island 21 Year Old 1990 is better value at £117 vs £119.

For beginners: South Island 21 Year Old 1990 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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£119 vs £116.59)

South Island 21 Year Old 1990

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£116.59 vs £119)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 10 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 South?

South Island 21 Year Old 1990 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 South Island 21 Year Old 1990

Old WoodDried FruitHoneySherriedTobacco

Explore more