Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve

Pappy Van Winkle

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve is a brand of bourbon whiskey produced by the Sazerac Company at its Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. The brand is named after Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle, Sr., a former salesman and distiller, who was highly respected in the bourbon industry. Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve is often regarded as one of the finest bourbons in the world, known for its wheat recipe as opposed to the more common corn recipe found in most bourbons.

History

The history of Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve dates back to the early 20th century when Julian P. "Pappy" Van Winkle, Sr. began working as a salesman for the W.L. Weller & Sons company, a distributor of spirits. In 1910, he and a friend bought the company. Pappy later acquired the A. Ph. Stitzel Distillery, which produced bourbon for Weller. The Stitzel-Weller Distillery was opened on Derby Day in 1935 in Louisville, Kentucky, marking the beginning of a legacy in bourbon making.

After Prohibition, the Stitzel-Weller Distillery became known for its wheated bourbon recipe, which Pappy Van Winkle championed. The distillery remained in the family until it was sold in 1972. The Pappy Van Winkle brand was later revived by Julian Van Winkle III, Pappy's grandson, who began bottling old stock from the family's distillery under the Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve label.

Production

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve is notable for its use of wheat in the mash bill instead of the more traditional rye, which gives the bourbon a smoother, softer flavor profile. The bourbon is aged for a significant period, with expressions ranging from 15 to 23 years. This extended aging process contributes to the whiskey's complexity, depth of flavor, and rarity.

Due to its limited production and high demand, Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve has become extremely difficult to find, often selling for many times its suggested retail price on the secondary market. The bourbon is released in small batches annually, making it a highly sought-after item among collectors and connoisseurs.

Varieties

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve line includes several aged expressions:

• 15-year-old
• 20-year-old
• 23-year-old

Each expression offers a unique tasting experience, with the older varieties being particularly prized for their depth and complexity.

Reception

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve has received numerous accolades and is often cited as one of the best bourbons in the world. Its reputation for quality, along with its scarcity, has contributed to a cult following among whiskey enthusiasts. Critics praise its rich flavor, smooth finish, and the craftsmanship evident in each bottle.

In Popular Culture

The bourbon has been featured in various media, highlighting its status as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. Its appearance in television shows, movies, and articles has only added to the mystique and desirability of the brand.

See Also

• Bourbon whiskey
• Buffalo Trace Distillery
• Sazerac Company