Pappy Van Winkle 12

Pappy Van Winkle 12  Received to rave reviews from blind tasters, Old Rip Van Winkle Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old Lot B Bourbon is the ideal combination of age and proof. The sweet, full-bodied flavors of this special lot have been described by some fans as pure ‘nectar’, with the 12 year aging process creating an incredible drinking experience. Ideal as an after dinner sip, this rich, deep, amber spirit will impress you for years to come.

Van Winkle Special Reserve 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 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.

Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot “B” should also fall into the category of “Pappy you might actually see on a shelf.” Actually, of late it seems there’s even more of the 12 year old Lot “B” getting released each fall than the 10 year old. So where does this Winkle fit in the family? Like all of its other siblings, it is made from the Weller wheated mashbill distilled by Buffalo Trace, but its pre-Trace history is much more complicated. This release actually predates the arrival of the Pappy bourbons, as Julian Van Winkle, Pappy’s grandson and bearer of the Pappy flame, introduced it in the early 1990s with plans to release several different “lots” of his sourced stock (not all of which was his father’s Stitzel-Weller juice).

On the palate, Lot “B” is exceptionally balanced and lightly spiced with classic toffee notes, a dusting of nutmeg, and some chewy caramel. The finish is long but subtle with baking spice and a bit of dark cherry. All that balance has come at a price though. While it’s still an enjoyable, if somewhat uneventful bourbon, Weller 12 is more full-flavored with just as much approachability. And it’s cheaper, even by secondary market standards. Just sayin’.

Tasting Notes