You probably won’t believe it until you see it, but the Van Winkle Whiskey Collection is back on shelves “in stores, bars, and restaurants across the United States at varying retail prices.” So say the folks at Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and Buffalo Trace Distillery. It will not surprise you to learn that supplies are limited.
The six-bottle collection includes five wheated bourbons, ranging in age from 10 to 23 years old, and a 13-year-old rye. Suggested retail prices range from $130 to $450. Word is there’s even “a surplus of 20-year-old and 23-year-o0ld Family Reserve Bourbons.”
“There’s an incomparable feeling of joy that comes from finding a bottle of Pappy on the shelf,” said Julian Van Winkle III, President, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “This season, we’re excited that connoisseurs have a greater chance to enjoy our older expressions, thanks to an exceptional yield from these barrels.”
Of course, because of the upside-down world of secondary sellers, the news from the two distilleries includes lots of warnings. Chances of ending up with a phony bottle of your “unicorn” go up when buying from places like Craigslist, eBay, and social media groups. If you think you’ve been scammed, the distilleries says not to drink out of the bottle, file a Better Business Bureau complaint, contact youre State Attorney General’s office, and check with your credit card to see if you’re covered by fraud protection policies.
As I said when the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection was annoounced, “Happy hunting.” If you do find a bottle on a shelf somewhere for any where near these prices, let me know. I’d love to share your story. Email [email protected]
Van Winkle Whiskey Collection includes:
- Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10-Year-Old– $129.99
At 107 proof, the nose of this 10-year-old bourbon reveals rich oak spice layered with subtle hints of licorice and dark cherry. On the palate, a well-rounded body showcases deep flavors of oak, tobacco, and sweet fruit. The finish of this Old Rip Van Winkle classic is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of dark cherry and soft tobacco.
- Old Rip Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12-Year-Old – $149.99
Ripe stone fruit and chocolate dominate the aroma of this 90.4 proof bourbon, setting the stage for a honeyed sweetness on the palate. Balanced by gentle oak and a whisper of tobacco, the flavors meld seamlessly. The finish is slightly dry with a pleasant tingle.
- Old Rip Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13-Year-Old – $199.99
Roasted nuts, oaky vanilla, and ripe fruit highlight the aroma of the 95.6 proof rye in the Van Winkle family. On the palate, chocolate and spice intertwine with caramel richness and a touch of oak dryness. The complex finish showcases gentle baking spices and roasted caramel for a perfectly balanced experience.
- Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15-Year-Old– $199.99
Untouched for 15 years and unhurried by time, caramel corn and vanilla dominate the nose of this 107 proof whiskey, offering a warm prelude to the palate’s sweet, smooth entry. Rich notes of leather, oak, and dark fruit add depth and complexity, concluding with lingering hints of spice and oaky tannins.
- Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20-Year-Old– $319.99
Warm holiday spices blend with caramel sweetness and delicate notes of chocolate on the nose of this 20-year-old, 90.4 proof vintage. The palate delivers a harmonious mix of caramel, cinnamon sugar, and subtle spice, offering a rich, layered experience. A slightly dry and oaky finish reflects two decades of careful aging, leaving a lasting impression.
- Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23-Year-Old– $449.99
The nose of Pappy’s 23-Year-Old Bourbon presents a perfect harmony of toasty caramel, soft cream, and nuanced notes of oak, nuts, and leather. On the palate of the 95.6 proof expression, vanilla, maple, and honey meet citrus and gentle spice. The finish is slightly dry, with a lingering balance of leather and oak.
Source: Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery
“Ultimately, the only legal and reputable source consumers should be buying from is a licensed retailer. This is the safest, foolproof way to ensure your bottle is not counterfeit.”
About Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery
The Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery has a four-generation history. The Van Winkle family’s involvement in the bourbon industry began in the late 1800s with Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr. He was a traveling salesman for the W.L. Weller and Sons wholesale house in Louisville. Pappy and a friend and fellow Weller salesman Alex Farnsley eventually bought the wholesale house and also partnered with Mr. A. Ph. Stitzel on the purchase of Mr. Stitzel’s distillery. The three of them merged the two companies and became the Stitzel-Weller Distillery after Prohibition. In May of 1935 at the age of 61, Pappy opened the newly completed Stitzel-Weller Distillery in South Louisville. Its prominent brands were W.L. Weller, Old Fitzgerald, Rebel Yell, and Cabin Still. Pappy had a heavy influence on the operations there until his death at the age of 91. His son, Julian, Jr. took over operations until he was forced by stockholders to sell the distillery in 1972. The rights to all of their brands were sold to Norton Simon, Inc. Later, United Distillers, who eventually ended up with the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, sold off all of the original labels around 1999. After selling the distillery, Julian Jr. resurrected a pre-Prohibition label, the only one to which the Van Winkles kept the rights, called Old Rip Van Winkle. He used whiskey stocks from the old distillery to supply his brand. Julian Jr.’s son, Julian, III took over in 1981 when Julian, Jr. passed away. Julian III has continued with the Van Winkle tradition of producing high-quality wheated bourbon. His son, Preston, joined the company in 2001 and the Van Winkles look to continue that tradition for generations to come. In 2002 the Van Winkles entered into a joint venture with Buffalo Trace Distillery in Franklin County, Frankfort, Ky, joining the Van Winkle and Weller Bourbons again in one production house. It was a natural tie since the wheated mash bill used in the Weller Bourbons was already being produced at Buffalo Trace. All of the Van Winkle’s whiskey production now takes place at Buffalo Trace Distillery under the same strict guidelines the family has always followed. For more information on the Van Winkle family of bourbon please visit www.oldripvanwinkle.com. (From the distillery)
About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery's rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 40 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Buffalo Trace Distillery also has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media. (From the distillery).
