Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old vs Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2021 Release)

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

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year OldEagle Rare 17 Year Old (2021 Release)
DistilleryOld Rip Van WinkleEagle Rare
Region
CountryAmericaAmerica
TypeRyeBourbon
ABV47.8%50.5%
Age13 yr17 yr
Price£180£135
Rating5.00/5

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old

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

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2021 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2021 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2021 Release) is better value at £135 vs £180.

For beginners: Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2021 Release) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£180 vs £135)

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2021 Release)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£135 vs £180)
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 13 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.5%) — may need water
  • 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 Eagle?

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2021 Release) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

ToastedVanilla

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

Chocolate

Only Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (2021 Release)

Old WoodHoneyTobacco

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