Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old vs North British 29 Year Old 1978 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

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

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year OldNorth British 29 Year Old 1978 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
DistilleryOld Rip Van WinkleNorth British
RegionLowland
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeRyeGrain
ABV47.8%54.5%
Age13 yr29 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

North British 29 Year Old 1978 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

North British 29 Year Old 1978 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

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: 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

North British 29 Year Old 1978 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (29 vs 13 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.5%) — 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 North?

North British 29 Year Old 1978 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) 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

Vanilla

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

ToastedChocolate

Only North British 29 Year Old 1978 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

Malt ExtractHoneyOld WoodNutty

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