Other Occasions

As you open the antique latch, it reveals a felt top that has been covering 2 hand-blown glasses and a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Aged 15 Years laying gently and securely in a batch of hypoallergenic antique packing straw. The exterior dimensions of this one of a kind gift box are 14.75″W x 10.75″D x 5.75″H. Because each box is handmade, quantities are limited and please inquire for expedited shipping.

Night Sage opens with aromas of butterscotch, vanilla and gently toasted oak, leading to a smooth palate layered with brown sugar, golden toffee, walnut and fig. The finish is warm and lingering, with notes of dried fruit, vanilla and oak.

A pure malt whisky that is characterized by the deep and flavorful richness with excellent balance that is unique to its age. A blend of rich ripe fruit and aged cask on the nose with complex changes in character as the finish approaches.

2011 release - laser code

PRODUCER'S NOTES: "Van Winkle Special Reserve is the perfect combination of age and proof. This sweet, full bodied whiskey has been described by some as 'nectar.' We agree! The 12 years of aging and medium proof of 90.4 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."

2014 vintage release - laser code

PRODUCER'S NOTES: "This wonderful bourbon is bottled as close to barrel proof as possible. We add just a splash of our Kentucky limestone well water when we empty the barrels for bottling. Thus, this whiskey is as smooth as any you will find. The more water you add to whiskey from its natural barrel proof to its bottle proof, the harsher it becomes. This 107 barrel proof seems to be just right."

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In 1893, when he was 18 years old, Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle Sr. began working as a salesman for the liquor wholesaler, W.L. Weller & Sons. Fifteen years later, he and another Weller salesman bought the firm. In 1910 they acquired the A. Ph. Stitzel Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, which had started as a sour mash whiskey distillery in 1872.

The Stitzel Distillery supplied much of the whiskey sold by the Weller wholesale firm. The consolidation coincided with prohibition, during which time the Stitzel-Weller firm was licensed by the government to produce whiskey for medicinal purposes. One of their labels that was introduced on the market just before prohibition was Old Rip Van Winkle. After prohibition, the brand was not reintroduced until after 1972 when the Stitzel-Weller distillery and its current brand names (including W. L. Weller, Old Fitzgerald, Rebel Yell, and Cabin Still) were sold to other companies.The only brand name the Van Winkle family had kept the rights to was the pre-prohibition brand Old Rip Van Winkle.

The Stitzel-Weller Distillery was opened on the day of the Kentucky Derby in 1935, just outside Louisville in Shively, Kentucky. At the time of his death in 1965 at the age of 89, Pappy Van Winkle was the oldest active distiller in the nation. A photo of him lighting a cigar graces the bottle's label.

Sometime after the Stitzel-Weller distillery was sold in 1972, Julian Van Winkle, Jr. resurrected the pre-prohibition Old Rip Van Winkle brand and initially used old whiskey stocks from the distillery for its bottlings. Julian Jr. died in 1981 and Julian Van Winkle, III (Pappy's grandson) took over the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery company.

After the initial sale in 1972, the Stitzel-Weller distillery was eventually closed completely in 1991.

Since 2002, the Van Winkle brands have been distilled and bottled by the Sazerac Company at the Buffalo Trace Distillery as a joint venture with the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery company.

In 2013, Julian Preston Van Winkle III, said the 2013 bottlings of the 23-year brand expression "may be the last of its kind", since at that point there was very little left of the aging stock from the Stitzel-Weller distillery (although he said the brand would not be discontinued). The makers say that they do not want to boost production, as there is considerable long-term risk, and they do not want to be left holding copious quantities of unsaleable bourbon should tastes, fashions or circumstances change.

Known as the founding father of the modern bourbon industry, Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. was committed to making unparalleled bourbon through his steadfast attention to detail and passion for innovation. His constant drive for perfection revolutionized the industry, with many of his techniques still in use today. The marriage of bourbon mashbills gives this magnificent whiskey a nose of vanilla butter cake, a rich palate of caramel and cinnamon, and long finish of toasted oak, cinnamon, and hint of spearmint.

**This is the 2020 release**

Michter’s 25 Year Old Bourbon comes from the era when Michter’s was still buying its whiskey from outside sources. However, Magliocco says, “We picked the style we wanted to make ourselves.” And, indeed, its bold flavor is immediately recognizable as Michter’s. Bottled at a barrel strength, it comes on a little tannic, but the black pepper and oaky notes quickly give way to dark fruit, brown sugar, and caramel. Dark chocolate makes an appearance on the back of the tongue, followed by a long, dry tobacco and leather finish. Bourbons that can age in wood for a quarter-century and still retain so much complexity are few and far between.

*May be a different batch/bottle number*

The Michter’s 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon, according to those behind it, was last released back in November 2016. It is said the barrels holding this particular extra old bourbon come from stock Michter’s team purchased years ago and that they felt it was time for a new release of it. "One of the most exciting aspects of my job is when I sample older barrels,” said Andrea Wilson, Michter’s Master of Maturation. "These barrels were really special and we are thrilled to share this year’s 20 Year Bourbon release with our consumers."

Distillery: Heaven Hill
City: Bardstown, KY
Style: Straight bourbon whiskey
ABV: 50% (100 proof)

2016 Bottling

PRODUCER'S NOTES: "A younger version of our famous 20-year-old Pappy Van Winkle’ Family Reserve, this bourbon was crafted according to our exclusive family wheated recipe. The smooth, oak flavor blends well with the barrel proof. Selected from barrels in the heart of our Kentucky warehouse, it has remained untouched for 15 years and unhurried by time."

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Gift Set - Lawrenceburg - 10 Year Old, 101 Proof [Wood Box & Glasses]

2013 Bottling

PRODUCER'S NOTES: "A younger version of our famous 20-year-old Pappy Van Winkle’ Family Reserve, this bourbon was crafted according to our exclusive family wheated recipe. The smooth, oak flavor blends well with the barrel proof. Selected from barrels in the heart of our Kentucky warehouse, it has remained untouched for 15 years and unhurried by time."

**This is the 2023 release**

Michter's 25 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon

We believe that our 25 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon is as fine as any bourbon ever released throughout Michter’s storied history. This exceptionally flavorful bourbon was distilled from a select mashbill, then matured to perfection for over a quarter of a century in specially chosen, new charred American white oak barrels. We continue to strive to make the best bourbon possible regardless of production cost. We hope you enjoy our Michter’s 25 Year Limited Release Bourbon as a fine emblem of our commitment to excellence.

A pure malt whisky that is characterized by the deep and flavorful richness with excellent balance that is unique to its age. A blend of rich ripe fruit and aged cask on the nose with complex changes in character as the finish approaches.

As you open the antique latch, it reveals a felt top that has been covering 2 hand-blown glasses and a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Aged 20 Years laying gently and securely in a batch of hypoallergenic antique packing straw. The exterior dimensions of this one of a kind gift box are 14.75″W x 10.75″D x 5.75″H. Because each box is handmade, quantities are limited and please inquire for expedited shipping.

Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly announces the release of Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition, the first-ever uncut and unfiltered expression of Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon. Debuting four decades after the original Elmer T. Lee Bourbon was released, this limited offering honors the legacy of one of the industry’s most influential pioneers and offers enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience this iconic whiskey in its purest form.

Elmer T. Lee’s legacy at Buffalo Trace Distillery began in 1949, when he joined the then-George T. Stagg Distillery as a maintenance engineer following his service in World War II and graduation from the University of Kentucky. Over the next four decades, he rose to become Master Distiller, helping guide the Distillery through a transformative era of modernization and growth while shaping the future of bourbon.

A visionary ahead of his time, Lee fundamentally changed the American whiskey landscape in 1984 with the introduction of Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon, the world’s first single-barrel bourbon and a concept that helped pioneer the premiumization of bourbon. To honor his enduring impact, the Distillery introduced Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon in 1986, a namesake expression that directly reflects his commitment to careful selection and consistency. Its combination of craftsmanship, authenticity and legacy has made it a benchmark for both enthusiasts and collectors.

“Elmer’s legacy is something we feel and celebrate every day at the Distillery, not just in the bourbon we make, but in the way we approach our work,” said Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “His commitment to craftsmanship guided not only our future at Buffalo Trace, but it also helped set the course for American whiskey as a whole. I was fortunate to learn from Elmer early in my career, and his guidance left a lasting impression on how I approach my work. Releasing this rare whiskey in his honor is incredibly meaningful and a privilege for all of us at the Distillery.”

Now, 40 years after its debut, Buffalo Trace Distillery is unveiling a bold new expression of this connoisseur-respected bourbon. For the first time, Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon is presented uncut and unfiltered, drawn directly from the barrel without dilution or chill filtration. This approach  is a reflection of how Elmer evaluated barrels for Blanton’s selection, providing enthusiasts with the opportunity to experience the whiskey as he would have.

The barrels selected for the 40th Anniversary Edition of Elmer T. Lee Bourbon were chosen for their richness and individuality, each bottled at its natural barrel proof to preserve a more robust, unaltered profile. Across the collection, notes of apricot, almond, vanilla, toasted coconut and honeysuckle lead to a rich, chewy palate with crème brûlée-like sweetness and a long finish of toasted oak and baking spice. Ranging from 124.8 to 138.6 proof, each barrel offers a subtle variation in character, structure and intensity.  

“For the first time, we’re sharing Elmer T. Lee Bourbon exactly as it comes from the barrel,” said Erica Bovard, Senior Brand Director, American Whiskey. “By offering it uncut and unfiltered, we’re able to highlight the depth and character of the whiskey while staying true to the standards Elmer set.  We think fans will love this release, and importantly, it’s one we believe Elmer would be proud of.”

Van Winkle 12 Year Special Reserve Lot B 90.4 Proof 750ml (2002-2006).  This is pre-code, however dated through knowledge of capsule differences, and label differences.  It is very likely that this is stitzel weller distillation.

PRODUCER'S NOTES: "Van Winkle Special Reserve is the perfect combination of age and proof. This sweet, full bodied whiskey has been described by some as 'nectar.' We agree! The 12 years of aging and medium proof of 90.4 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."

2014 release - laser code

PRODUCER'S NOTES: "Van Winkle Special Reserve is the perfect combination of age and proof. This sweet, full bodied whiskey has been described by some as 'nectar.' We agree! The 12 years of aging and medium proof of 90.4 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."

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old - Lawrenceburg

10 Year Old, 101 Proof

Comes with Wood Box

Spring 2014

This rare bourbon ages in oak barrels for nearly two decades and is only available in small quantities once a year, every fall. Sip this polished, well-aged whiskey to appreciate why patience is such a virtue. The fragrant aroma has almost a wine-like character with hints of almond, cigar boxes and cinnamon. The delicate and dry mid-palate tastes of leather, vanilla and tobacco. This bourbon lingers, finishing with hint of leather and toffee.