Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Old Rip Van Winkle
★ 4.07
£275
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£299
| Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old | Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Old Rip Van Winkle | Springbank |
| Region | — | Campbeltown |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Single Malt |
| ABV | 45.2% | 56.5% |
| Age | 20 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £275 | £299 |
| Rating | 4.07/5 | 5.00/5 |
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Quick verdict
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.07).
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old is better value at £275 vs £299.
For beginners: Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
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 £299)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.1 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £275)
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.
Who should buy Springbank?
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) 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
Only Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)