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]

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

I'll do my best to recall from memory... don't expect too much because I don't really do these :grin:

Redbreast 15

Nose: Sweet and malty with a touch of sea air

Taste/mouthfeel: Heavy malt notes with a touch of spice and savory saltiness, very round and appealing on the tongue, coating even. A much fuller, rounder texture than the Pappy.

Finish: Long and pleasing, the malt notes never fully fade away before my next sip. Gives you that "oh my god" kind of good feeling.

Pappy 15:

Nose: Rich and volatile with overt sweetness, heavy madagascar vanilla and dark sugary aromas

Taste/mouthfeel: Blast of vanilla and dark chocolate, caramel/molasses, dry with a strong but pleasing oaky tannin. A thinner feeling than the Redbreast (likely due to the Redbreast being pure pot still) but still equally as filling on the palate

Finish: Also long and pleasing. It coats the mouth and the tannins dry the inside of my mouth, making me yearn for another sip...

I hope that's close to what you're looking for.

On a side note, immediately after this back to back I had a Highland Park 18 which I did not enjoy as much as I typically do... the smoke fought with the richer sweet flavors from the RB and the PVW

[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.

[cigarnv]

Interesting comparative tasting. Both are at the high end of their style group but so very different. I am still not sure if I prefer the RB12 or 15 better. As for VW I prefer the 15. Along these lines I will have to visit the RB12 against the PVW 15....

[StraightNoChaser]

To me the RB12 is good... the RB15 is DAMN good

[jcg9779]

Very interesting thread. Have you done any more comparisons?

[StraightNoChaser]

Very interesting thread. Have you done any more comparisons?

The other day I tasted The Macallan 10 yr Fine Oak against ORVW 10/107

not much to say there...

[jcg9779]

The other day I tasted The Macallan 10 yr Fine Oak against ORVW 10/107

not much to say there...

Yeah, I wouldn't think so. I do like the Macallan 10 yr Fine Oak, but it's so light that the ORVW 10/107 would blow it away. The ORVW 10/90 might have been a better comparison, but I still think the Macallan would come up a little short...