Pappy Van Winkle needs no introduction. It's the brand that even non-whiskey drinkers reference in conversations about rare bourbon. And rare it is, indeed. Bottles of the stuff are so desirable they often sell for much, much higher than their suggested retail prices on the secondary market.
But now, if you're lucky, friends with your local liquor proprietor, or both, you might have a chance to snag one of the six expressions for down-to-earth prices. On December 12, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and Buffalo Trace Distillery announced the return of the Van Winkle Whiskey Collection.
It should go without saying that quantities are limited. But this year, there's a welcome surplus of 20-year and 23-year 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 of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, in a press release. “This season, we’re excited that connoisseurs have a greater chance to enjoy our older expressions, thanks to an exceptional yield from these barrels.”
However, the Van Winkle family reminds Pappy fans that, "neither they nor Buffalo Trace Distillery control the prices individual retailers charge for the expressions. The best chance to find Van Winkle products at a fair price is through lotteries offered by many retailers, where consumers can purchase bottles from the Collection at MSRP."
With that said, here are the six bottles available, along with their suggested retail price, proof, and official tasting notes:
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