Blanton's Special Reserve vs Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Blanton's Special Reserve
Blanton's
★ 4.38
£250
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
Old Rip Van Winkle
★ 5.00
£180
| Blanton's Special Reserve | Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Blanton's | Old Rip Van Winkle |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | America | America |
| Type | Bourbon | Rye |
| ABV | 40% | 47.8% |
| Age | NAS | 13 yr |
| Price | £250 | £180 |
| Rating | 4.38/5 | 5.00/5 |
Blanton's Special Reserve
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
Blanton's Special Reserve
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
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).
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)
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
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.
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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Blanton's Special Reserve