Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon: A Complete Guide

In the world of fine bourbon, one name stands out above all others: Pappy Van Winkle.

Exclusive, limited, and hard to find, it's one of those rare luxuries that actually lives up to its reputation.

Wondering why it’s so special? Keep reading to learn all about it.

What Is Pappy Van Winkle?

Pappy Van Winkle is one of the most sought-after bourbon whisky brands in the world. Only produced in very limited quantities, it's considered the holy grail among collectors.

This ultra-premium bourbon stands out for its wheat-based recipe, which creates a smooth and complex flavor that sets it apart from traditional rye-based bourbons.

Due to its exceptional quality and rarity, the liquor has developed a cult-like following, and bottles often sell for thousands of dollars.

Who was Rip Van Winkle?

While bourbon shares its name with Rip Van Winkle, the sleeping character from Washington Irving's 1819 story, the whiskey was actually named after Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle Sr., who founded the brand.

The name cleverly references both the family heritage and the lengthy aging process of the bourbon – much like how Irving's character aged during his decades-long sleep.

Who makes Pappy Van Winkle?

The bourbon was originally made at the Stitzel-Weller distillery from 1935 until it closed in 1992.

Today, Pappy is produced in Kentucky by the Buffalo Trace Distillery (not Rip Van Winkle Distillery as many assume), but the production process is still overseen by the Van Winkle family.

How is the whisky made?

What makes Pappy unique is its wheated bourbon recipe. While the exact formula remains secret, it likely uses about 75% corn, 20% wheat, and 5% malted barley.

The mash is then aged in new charred oak barrels for up to 23 years before being bottled by hand.

During this long aging process, many barrels are lost to evaporation, making the final product even rarer.

Why is it so expensive and hard to find?

The Buffalo Trace distillery only releases a few thousand bottles each year. Because of the high demand and low supply, the bottles are immediately snapped up.

As mentioned, the main reason for its limited production is the lengthy aging process and the natural loss of whiskey to evaporation.

Additionally, collectors and investors often get in there first, buy the bottles, and then hoard them, making them even harder to find commercially.

The Pappy Van Winkle Lineup

The Pappy lineup consists of six distinctive bottles, each with its own character and charm.

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year

The youngest whiskey aged for only 10 years, Old Rip Van Winkle packs a punch with a hefty almost-cask-strength 107 proof (53.5% ABV).

As a wheated bourbon, its sweeter and softer character offsets the harshness of the alcohol content. The whiskey is aged in new charred oak barrels, infusing it with rich, oaky flavors of caramel and vanilla.

Also present are the distinct notes of pecan and cherry, topped with a smoky finish with hints of spice and fruit.

Affectionately referred to as "Younger Pappy," the name gives a nod to its youthfulness and respected lineage.

Van Winkle's Special Reserve 12 Year (Lot B)

The Special Reserve 12-year is a velvety, smooth, well-balanced bourbon with hints of toasted oak, honey, and almond.

Easier on the alcohol content - and the palate - this bottle is 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV).

Aged for 12 years in carefully selected barrels, it has rich caramel and warm spice notes, creating an inviting, lingering finish.

The longer aging process results in a slightly higher price. Still, this is the perfect alternative to the 10-year if you prefer a more refined and less strong bourbon.

Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 15-year

Produced since 2004, the Family Reserve 15-year has earned its place as one the collection's finest at 107-proof (53.5% ABV), and it's the first bottle to proudly display Pappy's portrait on the label.

The magic happens during those 15 years in the barrel, during which the wheated mash develops a silky texture with a powerful oak kick.

When opened, you'll experience notes of cinnamon, chocolate, and leather. The flavor is predominantly cherry and oak, but you'll also taste dark fruit, butterscotch, and vanilla.

Many bourbon aficionados consider the 15-year to offer the best balance in flavor and price.

Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 Year

The Family Reserve 20-year can handle the longer aging process thanks to the use of wheat instead of corn or rye.

At 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV), it provides a smooth, decadent sip characterized by a strong oak and smoky presence. It's an incredibly refined taste, as you'll uncover complex layers of deep caramel, tobacco, dark chocolate, and leather.

If you love a strong oaky taste in your whiskey, this is a must-try. If you find this flavor profile too strong, the 15-year could be a better option.

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 23-Year

The rarest of them all, the Family Reserve 23-year is widely considered one of the finest bourbons in existence. It's produced in selected barrels to ensure perfect aging and prevent the whiskey from becoming over-oaked.

Featuring a 95.6 proof, every sip brings you soft and smooth notes of nuts, oak, and leather. Sweet sensations include maple, honey, and vanilla, offset by refreshing spice and citrus.

If you can get your hands on a bottle, you're in for an exquisite oaky taste, quite unlike any other bourbon.

Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13-Year

Deviating from bourbon, this straight rye whisky offers a less sweet alternative. It's one of the oldest and rarest rye whiskies available.

It was originally sourced from a now-defunct distillery, so the original bottles are especially prized by collectors.

Offering a modest 95.6 proof (47.8% ABV), you get a perfect balance of smoothness and power.

The rich, velvety texture is infused with caramel, cinnamon, black pepper, and clove. Fruity notes include citrus, peach, and cherry.

Limited Releases

Occasionally, Pappy releases special editions that are even rarer than their standard lineup. These bottles are nearly impossible to find and command astronomical prices when they do surface.

Comparing Different Kinds of Pappy Van Winkle

Wondering how to choose the right bottle? Here's a quick comparison of all the available expressions:

How To Drink Pappy Van Winkle?

The best way to appreciate Pappy's true character is to drink it neat.

Get a Glencairn or tulip-shaped whisky glass, pour, and savor every elegant drop.

If you need to soften the higher-proof expressions, add just a few drops of room-temperature water.

Whether you should add ice is up for debate. Purists argue that such a rare whisky should not be diluted nor have its flavors dampened. However, if you're finding the higher-proof expressions too intense, adding ice will reduce the burn.

How should I store it?

Such a special bottle requires extra care and handling to preserve both its quality and value.

• Always store your bourbon upright. The high alcohol content can quickly degrade the cork if it's laid on its side.

• Keep it in a cool, dark place. The optimum temperature range is 59-68°F.

• Keep it away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

• Ensure the cork is tightly sealed after each pour.

• If you plan to store it long-term after opening, it's best to transfer it to a high-quality whisky decanter.

• If you are purchasing for investment purposes, it's a good idea to vacuum seal the bottle so the label remains intact.

How Much Does Pappy Van Winkle Cost?

Thanks to its rarity and popularity, there is a huge disparity between the retail and secondary market prices:

How much is a shot of Pappy Van Winkle?

A single pour (1.5oz) at a bar can range from $50 for the 10-year expression up to $600 for older expressions.

How To Buy Pappy Van Winkle?

Since Pappy is one of the most sought-after bourbons, don't expect to just walk into a liquor store and pick one off the shelf.

You have to get in line, have luck on your side, and have extra-deep pockets.

That said, you shouldn't give up on ever owning a bottle. Here are some ways to try to get your hands on one:

• Liquor store lotteries: When bottles become available, liquor stores often hold a lottery to distribute their limited supply in the fairest way possible. Get to know your local liquor store owner and find out how to be notified when a lottery is being held.

• Join a bourbon club or whisky society: Exclusive groups are sometimes allocated a limited number of bottles. These are often offered via a private raffle or as a group buy.

• Online retailers and secondary markets: You might find bottles online or at auctions, but be careful. Prices are high and there are scams. Only buy from trusted sellers.

• High-end bars: You may get lucky and find a bar that sells Pappy by the pour. It sells out quickly, though, so it can be hard to catch it.

You should also check out bourbon festivals and charity auctions. They sometimes have bottles, but be ready to bid high.

What are my chances of getting a bottle?

Your chances of getting a coveted bottle depend on your preferred buying method:

• Retail: Extremely low, unless you are lucky enough to win a lottery.

• Secondary market: High. Bottles are generally available but be prepared to pay the high prices.

• Bars: Moderate. Our advice is to frequent your local high-end bars and ask when it's likely to be in stock.

• Auctions: Moderate, if you're prepared to bid high enough.

Are there counterfeits?

Oh yes! Any product with massive demand will have a counterfeit market to fulfill it. Pappys is no exception.

Common counterfeit tactics include:

• Original empty bottles refilled with a cheaper bourbon.

• Fake labels and packaging.

• Older bottles had tax strips on the cap - many counterfeiters will attempt to replicate these.

Unless you are well acquainted with the taste of Pappy, it can be hard to distinguish the real deal from the fakes.

Only purchase your bottle from licensed liquor stores or known collectors.

Additionally, genuine Pappy labels have raised lettering and a laser-etched code on the glass. The code should match the date and bottling plant number in Buffalo Trace's system. If it doesn't, it's fake.

If you're unsure, get your bottle verified by experts.

Conclusion

Getting this rare, amazing whisky might seem impossible, but it's worth it when the exceptional taste hits your palate.

If you don't want to spend thousands, visit the Buffalo Trace distillery in Frankfurt, Kentucky. Take a tour and you can taste Pappy without breaking the bank.