Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old vs Glengoyne 21 Year Old - Pre 2020

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

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year OldGlengoyne 21 Year Old - Pre 2020
DistilleryOld Rip Van WinkleGlengoyne
RegionHighland
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeRyeSingle Malt
ABV47.8%43%
Age13 yr21 yr
Price£180£250
Rating5.00/5

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner55/100
Value28/100

Glengoyne 21 Year Old - Pre 2020

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glengoyne 21 Year Old - Pre 2020

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old is better value at £180 vs £250.

For beginners: Glengoyne 21 Year Old - Pre 2020 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£180 vs £250)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Glengoyne 21 Year Old - Pre 2020

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 13 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£250 vs £180)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Glengoyne?

Glengoyne 21 Year Old - Pre 2020 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

Both taste of

Chocolate

Only Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old

ToastedVanilla

Only Glengoyne 21 Year Old - Pre 2020

SherriedDried FruitHoneyOld Wood

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