Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old vs SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988
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
SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988
Aultmore
£250
| Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old | SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Old Rip Van Winkle | Aultmore |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Rye | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.8% | 56.6% |
| Age | 13 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £180 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988
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: 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 affordable (£180 vs £250)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 13 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
- −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 SMWS?
SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988 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
Only Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
Only SMWS 73.15 17 Year Old 1988