Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) vs Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Midleton
★ 5.00
£300
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Old Rip Van Winkle
★ 4.07
£275
| Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) | Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Midleton | Old Rip Van Winkle |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Ireland | America |
| Type | Single Pot Still | Bourbon |
| ABV | 58.2% | 45.2% |
| Age | NAS | 20 yr |
| Price | £300 | £275 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.07/5 |
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Quick verdict
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.07).
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old is better value at £275 vs £300.
For beginners: Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£300 vs £275)
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£275 vs £300)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.1 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Midleton?
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) 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.
Who should buy Pappy?
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old 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 Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Only Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old