Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old vs Deanston 20 Year Old Palo Cortado Cask (Darkness)

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

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year OldDeanston 20 Year Old Palo Cortado Cask (Darkness)
DistilleryOld Rip Van WinkleDeanston
Region
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeRyeSingle Malt
ABV47.8%54.8%
Age13 yr20 yr
Price£180£129.95
Rating5.00/5

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old

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

Deanston 20 Year Old Palo Cortado Cask (Darkness)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Deanston 20 Year Old Palo Cortado Cask (Darkness)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Deanston 20 Year Old Palo Cortado Cask (Darkness) is better value at £130 vs £180.

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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£180 vs £129.95)

Deanston 20 Year Old Palo Cortado Cask (Darkness)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£129.95 vs £180)
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 13 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.8%) — 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 Deanston?

Deanston 20 Year Old Palo Cortado Cask (Darkness) 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

Both taste of

Toasted

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

VanillaChocolate

Only Deanston 20 Year Old Palo Cortado Cask (Darkness)

SherriedDried FruitOld WoodNutty

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