Everything You Need to Know About Pappy Van Winkle

Pappy Van Winkle is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after bourbons in America, renowned for both its quality and scarcity. The coveted whiskey brand is one of the hardest-to-find bottles in existence and is regarded as the pinnacle of excellence. 

That said, you’d think Pappy Van Winkle wouldn’t require an introduction, but it does. The majority of people do not know anything about this Kentucky bourbon other than it’s the best of its kind. 

So, if you are a whiskey connoisseur hoping to be enlightened about this holy grail of bourbons, here is everything you need to know about Pappy Van Winkle.

Pappy Van Winkle History

The involvement of the Van Winkle Family in the bourbon industry started in the late 1800s with Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle. He was a salesperson for W.L. Weller wholesale house in Louisville, and he would travel all around the state using horse and buggy. 

Julian and his friend, Alex Farnsley, would eventually go on to buy the wholesale house as well as the A. Ph. Stitzel Distillery, which used to make bourbon for Weller. They then merged these two companies to form the Stitzel-Weller Distillery with Julian “Pappy” as the president.

However, several years later, Pappy passed away, and his son, Julian Jr., ran the business until stockholders compelled him to sell the distillery in 1972. After the sale, Julian Jr. and his son, Julian Van Winkle III, started using whiskey stocks from their old distillery and bottling it under a pre-prohibition label called the Old Rip Van Winkle.

When Julian Jr. passed away, Julian III took over operations and ensured that the company continued producing high-quality wheat bourbon. His son, Preston, later took over the company, and the Van Winkles appear to continue that family tradition for generations to come.

Currently, the Pappy Van Winkle bourbon is what many connoisseurs regard as the world’s best whiskey. The spirit has attained cult status, with devoted followers crossing state lines and sometimes threatening violence just to have a taste. 

There are several varieties of Pappy Van Winkle available. There is the Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year, Van Winkle Family Reserve 12 Year, Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year, or the Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year. Here are some of the popular bottles of this elusive bourbon:

Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year 750ml

The Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year is one of the most sought-after flavors. This bourbon was specifically created using the Van Winkle family’s secret recipe and hand-selected from barrels in the center of the aging warehouses. It was left undisturbed for 15 years to age in deeply charred heavy oak unhurried by time.

Tasting Notes

It has a refined sweet taste that includes vanilla and caramel corn. It also features a strong leather flavor, oak, and rich fruitiness.

Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old Bourbon 750ml

This exceedingly rare, limited-edition bourbon whiskey requires decades of distilling experience to produce. Only the most thorough and expensive distilling processes can create something as unique as the Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old Bourbon. Each barrel is handpicked from the warehouse and aged for a total of 23 years. 

Tasting Notes

The Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year has the early aromas of cream and caramel, with softer oak, almonds, and leather undertones. It has a sweet flavor made up of maple, honey, and vanilla, complemented by a sweet taste of citrus and spice. This whiskey also features many of the early flavors along with a long-lasting oaky aftertaste.

Old RIP Van Winkle 10 Years 750ml

This exquisite bourbon drink is usually bottled close to barrel-proof. After maturing for ten years, only a small amount of Kentucky limestone water is added. The Old RIP Van Winkle 10 Years whiskey is second to none in terms of richness and smoothness. 

Tasting Notes

It has a rich taste of sweet vanilla, caramel, oak wood, and pecan. The drink features a smoky wheat finish and hints of spice, oak tannins, and fruit.

Pappy Van Winkle Iconic Flavors

The flavors of Pappy Van Winkle bourbons greatly depend on how long the aging process takes. The 20-year old Pappy Van Winkle has a caramel flavor, while the 15-year old Pappy Van Winkle tastes more like vanilla. For example, the company states that its 23-year old bourbon whiskey is its flagship because it takes the longest time to age. The more time the bourbon takes to age, the more intense the flavor is.

Is Pappy Van Winkle the Best Bourbon?

Pappy Van Winkle is considered the most sought-after bourbon that’s almost impossible to find. Its demand is always high, and its scarcity makes it the most coveted whiskey bottle. 

Who Makes Pappy Van Winkle?

Both the Pappy Van Winkle Reserve and the Old Rip Van Winkle labels are currently produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Who Owns Pappy Van Winkle? 

Pappy Van Winkle is a unique bourbon brand owned by the Old Rip Van Winkle Company. However, it is distilled and bottled at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky.

What Makes Pappy Van Winkle So Unique?

The age statement in Pappy Van Winkle is one of the things that make it so exceptional. Most, if not all, bourbons are aged for a minimum of four years, while Pappy Van Winkle is aged for at least ten years. This prolonged aging process enhances the bourbon's taste and helps to lessen its harsh alcohol taste. 

Another distinguishing attribute of Pappy Van Winkle is their use of wheat and barley malt as secondary ingredients rather than the more common rye.

Why is it so Hard to Find Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon?

As mentioned above, the Pappy Van Winkle bourbon whiskey is usually aged longer than many other brands, and the distillery that makes it only produces a limited amount each year. This makes it incredibly hard to find, and spirits enthusiasts may have to wait decades just to purchase an authentic bottle. 

The distillery releases approximately 7,000 cases per year, which is only 84,000 bottles. This may seem like a lot, but it is a significantly smaller amount compared to other bourbon industries releasing millions of bottles annually. However, eager connoisseurs could seek the help of online store locators to track down Van Winkle bottles early. 

Is Pappy Van Winkle a Good Investment?

The timeless taste of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon makes it an excellent pick for a connoisseur. If held for a long enough period, it will provide collectors with a great return on investment.

Why is Pappy Van Winkle so Expensive?

A single shot of Pappy Van Winkle can cost around $37.5 to more than $150 The scarcity of this premium drink is one of the reasons for such high prices. You have a better chance of seeing your favorite celebrity at your local liquor store than spotting a bottle of Pappy on a shelf at recommended retail value. 

Pappy Van Winkle is also aged longer, making it challenging for Buffalo Trace Distillery to meet the skyrocketing demand.

Additionally, how premium alcohol is distributed from producers to consumers can affect the prices. Vendors that buy these rare bottles may choose to charge the suggested retail price or mark up the price to thousands of dollars.

Why was Pappy Van Winkle Stolen? 

Considering its demand-to-availability ratio, it’s no surprise that Pappy was at the center of the biggest alcohol heists. From 2008 to 2015, the elusive whiskey became more elusive when people managed to steal approximately $50000 in whiskey. Worse still, the stolen bourbon had to be destroyed when it was later found in 2015.

Where Can I Buy a Bottle of Pappy Van Winkle? 

Because Pappy Van Winkle is so rare, you have to be extremely cautious when buying to avoid purchasing a counterfeit. 

Wondering how to spot a fake Van Winkle bottle? Each bottle of Pappy Van Winkle has unique handwritten bottle numbers on the front. Whenever some collectors spot an empty of these products, they quickly write down the bottle number. Then, when an original Pappy Van Winkle bottle is on sale, they compare the bottle number to the list and photos and refill their bottles with similar-tasting bourbon. Therefore, if there is a match, it’s most likely a refilled fake.

 So, now that you know how to spot a real and fake Pappy Van Winkle, let’s talk about where to buy one. The best choice is to pick a reliable online liquor store like Hollywood Beverage and purchase from their website. Hollywood Beverage is a reputable liquor store that carries the rarest alcoholic drinks in the world. Additionally, they will ensure your liquor is shipped quickly and easily to your doorstep.

Bottom Line

Through its limited availability, rich history, and distinctive flavor, Pappy Van Winkle bourbon whiskey has become a symbol of exclusivity and wealth in the bourbon world. It has grown to be a cultural phenomenon that attracts spirits enthusiasts from all over the world.

While some bemoan the publicity and high costs associated with Pappy Van Winkle, others contend that it signifies a more significant trend toward seeking out rare and unique experiences. Regardless of which side you fall on this debate, it is undeniable that Pappy Van Winkle has had (and continues to have) a lasting impact on both the bourbon industry and popular culture.

Indulge in the finest bourbons and treat your taste buds! Visit our website now to grab any bottle of premium Pappy Van Winkle  bourbon before it's too late!

FAQs

What Tastes Almost Like Pappy Van Winkle?

W.L. Weller has a similar taste to Pappy. Like Pappy, it’s produced at Buffalo Trace but aged for a different amount of time.

How Many Bottles of Pappy Were Stolen?

Over 200 bottles of Pappy were stolen from Buffalo Trace Distillery in 2013. The culprit of the heist, Toby Curtsinger was eventually apprehended after about two years.

Can You Taste Pappy Van Winkle at the Distillery?

You cannot sample Pappy Van Winkle at the Buffalo Trace Distillery. However, you can sample some of the distillery’s other offerings, like Eagle Rare Bourbon, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, and Buffalo Trace Distillery Bourbon Cream.

How Much Is a Pappy Van Winkle Shot at a Bar?

A shot of Pappy Van Winkle costs roughly $37.5 to more than $150 Its premium cost is largely due to its scarcity.

When Did Pappy Become Popular?

Pappy Van Winkle first gained mainstream popularity in 2012 when celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain praised its exquisite taste. Afterward, many other prominent chefs exalted its fine taste, making it a household name.