Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old vs Blanton's Special Reserve
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
Blanton's Special Reserve
Blanton's
★ 4.38
£250
| Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old | Blanton's Special Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Old Rip Van Winkle | Blanton's |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | America | America |
| Type | Rye | Bourbon |
| ABV | 47.8% | 40% |
| Age | 13 yr | NAS |
| Price | £180 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.38/5 |
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
Blanton's Special Reserve
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
Blanton's Special Reserve
Quick verdict
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.38).
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old is better value at £180 vs £250.
For beginners: Blanton's Special Reserve 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)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Blanton's Special Reserve
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£250 vs £180)
- −Lower community rating (4.4 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 Blanton's?
Blanton's Special Reserve 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
Only Blanton's Special Reserve