Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
Old Rip Van Winkle
★ 5.00
£180
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Old Rip Van Winkle | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Rye | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.8% | 56.5% |
| Age | 13 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £180 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old is better value at £180 vs £250.
For beginners: Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£180 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (13 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £180)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Pappy?
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Rye character.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) 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 Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)