Today we review the myth, the cult, the legend and what is probably the most talked about Bourbon in history, Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve. There are 3 that carry that name, they are the 15 year, 20 year and the 23 year old, all sharing the same mash bill. We are rating the 15 year old, which in our mind is not only the best deal for the money but possible the best tasting of the Trio. To us, Bourbons aged longer than 15 to 18 years start to take on too much of the wood character and can have too much of a musty smell and taste.
The 15 yr, as well as the other 2, come in a tall bottle with a picture of Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr. smoking a cigar on the label. It is bottled at 107 proof and is extremely hard to find. A note on the price, If you can find it or know a liquor store owner who doesn’t like to jack his customers, the manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) would have it selling between $110 and $130 for the 750 ml bottle. We have come across stores easily charging triple that. Online it sells for over a $1000. Be aware, there is a huge market for empty Pappy bottles. Why? So they can be refilled with cheaper Bourbon and sold as Pappy.
NOSE
Ron: Not all aromas upfront, this Bourbon requires a little patience. Having said that there is a lot on the nose. Oak, toffee and leather are followed by a toasty sweetness with hints of cedar. I also got an ever so slight whiff of anise.
Todd: Agree, somewhat subtle but ultimately a fantastic nose. A little hot smelling with an almost overwhelming aroma of caramel upfront. Behind that but still strong was dark fruit and vanilla. Behind even that I picked up brown sugar, apricot, oak, honey, cocoa and a musty scent. Strange, the oak was way down the list even though the juice was in the barrel for 15 years.
TASTE
Ron: Slightly hot with a big tobacco taste up front followed by toffee, caramel, that toasty sweetness that I got on the nose, and vanilla that I didn’t get on the nose. A small melted ice cube brought out tastes of cinnamon, brown sugar and an ever-so-slight, musty taste.
Todd: Hot but I could actually drink it neat. Having said that I got more flavors once a cube had melted. Like the nose, caramel dominated the taste. After that came hints of leather, malt, grain and the same mustiness that I got on the nose.
FINISH
Ron: The tobacco continued in a long, warm, caramel finish.
Todd: Long sweet finish with a touch of mint.
OVERALL
Ron: Not quite sure it is worth what people are paying for it, but I must say this is an excellent Bourbon. I will always attempt to keep a bottle in my cabinet, if not for notoriety, for friends who truly appreciate Bourbon that have never had the opportunity to try it.
Todd: Really loved drinking this and want to thank Ron for sharing his bottle with me. I believe the nose, while as mentioned before was somewhat subtle, is maybe the best I have ever come across. Oh yeah, the taste was pretty damn good as well.
Nose 4.75 out of 5
Taste 9.25 out of 10
Finish 4.5 out of 5
Total score 18. 5 out of 20 Barrels
We both really really enjoyed drinking Van Winkle 15 year. One of the best noses out there with great complex taste and a long finish make for one hell of a Bourbon.
But we also have to be honest with ourselves, did the hype get to us? Maybe a little. Also, if the bottle didn’t say Pappy Van Winkle, but said something like Joe Smith’s Bourbon and was still over $120, how would we have rated it? Just being honest, probably not as high.
We are not saying there is necessarily anything better at that price, but just be aware you are paying a premium for the notoriety and name. But, with a name like Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve, maybe it’s worth it.