Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 23 Bourbon
Price History
Overview
Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 23 Bourbon is the crowning achievement of the Van Winkle family’s bourbon legacy, celebrated for its remarkable age and complexity. As the oldest expression in the lineup, this bourbon offers a unique blend of flavor and rarity that embodies the pinnacle of bourbon craftsmanship.
Specs at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Style | bourbon |
| ABV | 95.6% |
| Mashbill | Wheated |
| Release Info | Released annually, this bourbon has become a near-mythical rarity, often available only through a lottery system or elite networks. |
| Age | 23 years |
Good to know
Pappy Van Winkle's legacy began in the 1890s, and its recent cult status surged after a perfect score from the Beverage Tasting Institute in 1994. Each bottle is a testament to a family tradition that intertwines with bourbon history.
Tasting notes
- Nose: A complex bouquet of dark earth, chocolate, and tobacco, with hints of prunes and vanilla layered over a forest floor backdrop.
- Palate: The taste evolves with dark cocoa, toasted walnuts, and dry tobacco, revealing an intricate tapestry of flavors that includes coffee bean and a touch of dates.
- Finish: Incredibly long, this bourbon leaves an earthy impression with a faint tartness that lingers.
Notable details
- Production: Aged 23 years in charred oak barrels, this bourbon is bottled at 95.6 proof and is non-chill filtered, enhancing its robust profile.
- Lineage: Crafted at Buffalo Trace, it draws from historical stocks, transitioning from ryed bourbon to the current wheated mash bill post-2003.
- Comparison: Often compared to the Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year, it shifts from lush to a more assertive profile, enhancing its character.
- Availability: Extremely limited, with prices on the secondary market frequently exceeding $4,000, making it a coveted bottle for collectors.
Serving suggestions
Best enjoyed neat to fully appreciate its depth, though a few drops of water can enhance its complex aromas.
"Austere yet profoundly complex, this bourbon rewards patient sippers with endless layers of earthy depth." – The Whiskey Wash
Closing
This bourbon is not merely a drink; it's a rare experience that reflects the culmination of tradition, artistry, and bourbon heritage.
Sources
[1] The Whiskey Wash – “Bourbon Review: Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old”
[2] The Bourbon Culture – “Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old Bourbon Review”
[3] Drinkhacker – “Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23 Years Old (2020) Review”