Pappy 15 vs. Redbreast 15

[StraightNoChaser]

After trying these back to back I have to admit I enjoy them equally. Both distinctive, smooth and massive in flavor. Has anyone else enjoyed Redbreast 15 to this degree?

[ThomasH]

I enjoy Redbreast simply because it is easier to get, my local store always has it and it costs less!

Thomas

[sailor22]

That's an interesting comparison - how about some tasting notes.

[TNbourbon]

That's an interesting comparison - how about some tasting notes.

Indeed -- and I'd like to see more of these apparent 'apples and oranges' look-sees. Most of us either started in a place outside of bourbon, or have strayed beyond bourbonia -- and, thus, make practical judgments and decisions like this every time we visit a liquor store.
For myself, for example, it's seldom anymore, "Do I buy bottom- or mid-shelf?", but rather, "Do I bourbon, or rum?"

[timd]

For myself, for example, it's seldom anymore, "Do I buy bottom- or mid-shelf?", but rather, "Do I bourbon, or rum?"

For me it's Bourbon or Scotch or Tequila

What would be neat is a side-by-side of a massive Rye (like Handy) next to a huge peat Monster (like SuperNova) - they "do" the same thing for me, in terms of being invigorating, exciting and flavorful... Even though they are starkly different, I "get" the same thing from either...

[OscarV]

Only on SB.com would someone compare Pappy to a Irish.

Ya gotta love it!!

[doubleblank]

I'm a big Redbreast 15 fan. Obviously different whiskies, they offer similar levels of satisfaction. Redbreast. 15 is currently easier to find, but probably not so long term.

Randy

[StraightNoChaser]

For me it's Bourbon or Scotch or Tequila

What would be neat is a side-by-side of a massive Rye (like Handy) next to a huge peat Monster (like SuperNova) - they "do" the same thing for me, in terms of being invigorating, exciting and flavorful... Even though they are starkly different, I "get" the same thing from either...

I'd love to do a side by side with THH and Jura Prophecy. The Jura is a sweet and rich peaty scotch but I wouldn't call it a "monster." I used to be quite partial to Ardbeg and the like but the younger, peatier expressions don't please me anymore as I find the smoke overwhelming (and somewhat unnecessary). Toss me a Laphroaig 18, 25 or Quarter Cask and that's a little more my thing: peaty notes subdued by good aging

[timd]

I'd love to do a side by side with THH and Jura Prophecy.

I've not had Prophecy - I did have a bottle of Superstition, however, and of the many (hundreds?) of Scotchs I've had - it's one of two I just didn't care for. Drumguish and Superstition... that's it. I eventually finished the Jura (but not the Druimguish). Tasted like rancid meat to me - just a "not right" flavor. I've tried it at a few tastings, too, just to see if it was my bottle, but always got these unpleasant rotting flesh notes - maybe that's why they discontinued it and replaced it with Prophecy?

I do tend to enjoy the younger, racy, peaty/smokey Islay types. My all time favorite Whisk(e)y is a 7 year old Cask Strength Caol Ila, I prefer Lagavulin 12 (CS) to Lagavulin 16, etc. And if I *had* to pick, I'd take THH over Saz18. I like Elijah Craig 12 much better than 18...

Age, to me, isn't that critical... I just think it's good when it's good, but it doesn't have to be old to be great (at least for my less than discerning palate!).

I've had some older bottles that are amazing, to be sure... But I've obviously got a lean more towards "vibrancy" over "complexity" I'd imagine.

Then again a Pappy 15/107 or Ardbeg's Beast bring the best of both worlds!

[Josh]

Interesting comparison indeed! I'm usually pretty skeptical of comparing different types of whiskey to each other (even wheated and non-wheated bourbons), but the bourbon barrel influence is so prominent in Red Breast, I think it could work.

A comparison with a Wild Turkey expression might be interesting, under the assumption that they are getting their barrels from WT, or at least did 12 years ago.