Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old vs Secret Orkney (HP) 20 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17 A63 #2) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year OldSecret Orkney (HP) 20 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17 A63 #2) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryOld Rip Van WinkleSignatory
Region
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeRyeSingle Malt
ABV47.8%55.2%
Age13 yr20 yr
Price£180£146.95
Rating5.00/5

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner55/100
Value28/100

Secret Orkney (HP) 20 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17 A63 #2) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Secret Orkney (HP) 20 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17 A63 #2) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Secret Orkney (HP) 20 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17 A63 #2) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £147 vs £180.

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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£180 vs £146.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Secret Orkney (HP) 20 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17 A63 #2) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£146.95 vs £180)
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 13 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.2%) — may need water
  • 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 Secret?

Secret Orkney (HP) 20 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17 A63 #2) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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

Chocolate

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

ToastedVanilla

Only Secret Orkney (HP) 20 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17 A63 #2) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SherriedSmokeyHoney

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