There is a story behind every bottle of whiskey, and Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old vs Boss Molly Straight Bourbon: Which Bourbon Should You Buy? carries one worth telling.
Choosing between Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old and Boss Molly Straight Bourbon can be tough, especially when they compete in the same space. In this head-to-head comparison, we taste them side by side and score every dimension so you don't have to guess.
Whether you're stocking your home bar or picking a gift, this breakdown will point you to the right bottle.
Specifications at a Glance
| Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old | Boss Molly Straight Bourbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Bourbon |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 90.4 proof | 45%ABV, high wheat bourbon finished with brandy st |
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Rating | 10/10 | 3/10 |
Nose
Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old: This is so, so rich: butterscotch, brown butter, fresh dark cherries dipped in milk chocolate, vanilla bean, sherry, Raisinettes, plum jam, figs, dark honey. Yet among it all there’s still a fundamental freshness, lemon pulp and lime zest. There’s a lot of oak character here, but it’s neither spicy nor astringent. In fact, there’s no sting at all – this is the kind of thing you can smell forever and never tire of.
Boss Molly Straight Bourbon: Very strong and fragrant, right off the bat. A cloying sweetness similar to butterscotch, both musky and rummy, presents the prominent notes. A touch of high acrid gasoline is undeniably present, lingering but blowing off towards the end. A touch of grassiness, unexpected from the composition, takes over.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old: Ugh, this is so good. The entry still has a bit of that characteristic lemony tartness but this time it’s offset by these very rich umami flavors: cherries soaked in sherry, hickory smoked jerky with a brown sugar liqueur. The mid-palate is enormous, with big leathery/nutty/sherry-like oxidized flavors as well as some very delicate cinnamon and nutmeg spice.
Boss Molly Straight Bourbon: Lighter than the nose for certain, in both flavor and texture. A strong vegetal bitterness forms the mid-palate, which becomes a long finish of burnt popcorn. A touch of marshmallow sweetness pops up alongside the popcorn note.
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old: Finish is long and nutty yet somehow refreshing, finally leaving you resting on a delicate dark chocolate note. So delightful it makes you want to delay tasting anything else as long as possible.
Boss Molly Straight Bourbon: Comments: 45%ABV, high wheat bourbon finished with brandy staves Pale, slightly opaque amber. Scattered legs
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
Pricing varies by market, so check your local retailer for current rates on both bottles.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
In this matchup, Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old takes the crown with a rating of 10/10 compared to Boss Molly Straight Bourbon's 3/10. It delivers a more compelling overall experience that justifies its place in your collection.
That said, Boss Molly Straight Bourbon is by no means a bad whiskey. If the flavour profile of Boss Molly Straight Bourbon appeals to your palate more, don't let a number stop you.
Read the Full Reviews
Final Reflections
Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old vs Boss Molly Straight Bourbon: Which Bourbon Should You Buy? is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.
