Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr. said, "We make fine bourbon at a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always fine bourbon." This was the beginning of a Kentucky whiskey family dynasty now in its fourth generation of distilling. Aged for up to 23 years, our quality standards are high, which means we have to be patient, but it is well worth the wait.
Both the Old Rip Van Winkle and the Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve labels are produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery and remain in high demand. Our Van Winkle bourbons are crafted with Pappy’s original “wheated” recipe. Distilling with corn, barley, and wheat allows the whiskey to age more gracefully giving it a softer, smoother taste. This time-honored aging produces some of the most sought-after bourbons in the world. It is also one of the few bourbons to remain flawless after aging more than 20 years.
This rich, copper-colored bourbon is bottled as close to barrel proof as possible at 107 proof. We add just a splash of Kentucky limestone water when we empty the barrels to adjust the proof if needed and to prepare for bottling. Our 10 Year is a big, bold bourbon that has great balance considering its high proof and robust flavor.
The aroma is enticingly sweet and spicy with a caramel-nut-fudge. It has a fruity, medium-to-full-bodied palate with intense dried fruit and toasted nut notes. Each sip finishes with a very long, bold wave of peppery brown spices, floral honey and charred barrel flavors that balance the weight of the alcohol.
A man who was true to the craft, Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr.’s mantra was "We make fine bourbon at a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always fine bourbon." His name has now become synonymous with quality in the bourbon industry.
Pappy’s involvement with bourbon began in 1893 as a traveling salesman for W.L. Weller and Sons. He and a coworker, Alex Farnsley, eventually merged the A. Ph. Stitzel Distillery, which produced bourbon for Weller. The two companies merged to form the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Opened on Derby Day of 1935, Stitzel-Weller quickly became known for its wheated bourbon recipe, using wheat instead of rye in the mash for a softer, smoother taste. Pappy remained highly involved with the Distillery up until his death in 1965, at the age of 91.
Pappy was the first in four generations of Van Winkle bourbon-making. His son, Julian Jr. ran operations at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery up until its sale in 1972. Julian Jr., resurrected a pre-Prohibition label called Old Rip Van Winkle, using whiskey stocks from the old Distillery. His son, Julian III, took over in 1981 and continues to run operations of the Van Winkle brand at Buffalo Trace Distillery along with his son Preston.
Both the Old Rip Van Winkle and the Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve labels are now produced at Buffalo Trace and remain in high demand. Both labels continue to receive the highest acclaim throughout the industry, with numerous awards and accolades.
Van Winkle is a part of the rare and exclusive Legacy de Forge collection.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year is the perfect combination of age and proof. This sweet, full-bodied whiskey has been described by some as “nectar.” The 12 years of aging and medium proof of 90.4 seem to be just right in creating a very pleasant drink of whiskey. This fine bourbon can compete with any excellent cognac as an after-dinner drink. The overall impression is rich and deep.
You’ll see a brilliant, amber-orange color and smell luscious, complex toffee. The taste is round and supple at entry, leading to a dry, expansive, medium body. Enjoy notes of caramel, nuts, and brown spices that are followed by a lengthy, enveloping finish. It’s an outrageously smooth and decadent bourbon.
In 1893, Pappy began working at W.L. Weller & Sons as a traveling whiskey salesman. He became co-owner, president and then chairman of the board of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery and helped shape the industry during and after Prohibition. With 71 years in the distilling business, he built a reputation that was second to none and he remains a titan in the industry.
Van Winkle is a part of the rare and exclusive Legacy de Forge collection.
This bourbon was crafted according to our exclusive family wheated recipe. The smooth, oak flavor blends well with the near barrel proof. Selected from barrels in the heart of our Kentucky warehouse, this bourbon has remained untouched for 15 years and unhurried by time.
With a hazy, copper color, the entry taste is rich and supple. This leads to a huge, decadent, full-bodied palate with intense caramel, toffee, and peppery brown spice flavors. The finish has an extreme, long, complex and evolving fade of spice and wood notes. Experts deem it a seductive, exotic and virtually flawless bourbon.
In 1893, Pappy began working at W.L. Weller & Sons as a traveling whiskey salesman. He became co-owner, president and then chairman of the board of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery and helped shape the industry during and after Prohibition. With 71 years in the distilling business, he built a reputation that was second to none and he remains a titan in the industry.
Van Winkle is a part of the rare and exclusive Legacy de Forge collection.
No other bourbon today can stand 20 years of aging, but this bourbon does it with style. “Pappy” Van Winkle was a true character. This bourbon, like Pappy, is full of personality which makes it a very special whiskey, and some might argue, one of our best bourbons. It has been put in the class of a fine after-dinner cognac.
With a dark amber and dark orange cast, this full-bodied bourbon is reminiscent of oiled leather, smoke, minerals, coffee and cigar boxes. You’ll take in the endless range of aromatics and flavors as you enjoy the infinite finish.
In 1893, Pappy began working at W.L. Weller & Sons as a traveling whiskey salesman. He became co-owner, president and then chairman of the board of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery and helped shape the industry during and after Prohibition. With 71 years in the distilling business, he built a reputation that was second to none and he remains a titan in the industry.
Van Winkle is a part of the rare and exclusive Legacy de Forge collection.
Only the most careful and expensive distilling method can be used to create a whiskey as special as this one. Barrels for our 23 Year were carefully selected from the heart of the warehouse to be bottled into one of the oldest bourbons you can buy. This signature whiskey is best enjoyed neat, as any ice or water will dilute the unique experience.
This bourbon is a deep, amber-red color. You’ll taste the various hints of caramel, ripe apples, cherries, oak wood and tobacco with a touch of chocolate. It finishes with a long-lasting and pleasant taste starting with wood flavors, leading to a nice, sweet caramel finish.
In 1893, Pappy began working at W.L. Weller & Sons as a traveling whiskey salesman. He became co-owner, president and then chairman of the board of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery and helped shape the industry during and after Prohibition. With 71 years in the distilling business, he built a reputation that was second to none and he remains a titan in the industry.
Van Winkle is a part of the rare and exclusive Legacy de Forge collection.
Until now, most rye whiskeys were four years old or younger. This 13 year rye is one of the oldest rye whiskeys available today. The maturity it has achieved while aging is quite obvious as you take the first sip. Rye whiskey lovers who try this bottling will never look back at the younger versions again.
You’ll see the deep, tawny, copper color and smell the powerful caramel, spice and sweet-tobacco aromas. It has a smooth, broad entry, leading to a medium-to-full-bodied palate with sweet toffee, roasted nut and leather notes. It finishes with a wave of white pepper, spice and long-lingering dried fruit flavors.
In 1893, Pappy began working at W.L. Weller & Sons as a traveling whiskey salesman. He became co-owner, president and then chairman of the board of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery and helped shape the industry during and after Prohibition. With 71 years in the distilling business, he built a reputation that was second to none and he remains a titan in the industry.
Van Winkle is a part of the rare and exclusive Legacy de Forge collection.
“At 100 proof, it’s very easy to drink and the flavors are rich and quite enjoyable. When a small batch can almost match a single barrel product of itself, that’s pretty impressive. While not the exact carbon copy flavor wise, it comes satisfyingly close.”
“An excellently solid if laid-back bourbon for a price that shows that Buffalo Trace knows its quality. A Must Try.”
The Scotch Noob
“From the moment you smell it to the final moments of the surprisingly long finish, it's a pure joy.”
bourbongents.com
F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal Rating: 5 stars/Highest Recommendation
