Search: 80 results found for "Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year*"

(21)

$899.00

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."

--

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.

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Years (Short Older Fat Bottle) Bourbon 107pf 750mL

(0)

~~$2,499.00~~ $2,199.00

"Best Pappy Ever" Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Bourbon Handcrafted Gift Box

(0)

$1,349.00

"Boss Man" Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Bourbon Handcrafted Gift Box

(0)

$1,349.00

Van Winkle Line up - 10 year, 12 year, 13 year (rye), 15 year, 20 year, 23 year

(0)

~~$12,374.00~~ $11,999.00

"Boss Lady" Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Bourbon Handcrafted Gift Box

(0)

$1,349.00

Van Winkle Lineup - 10 year, 12 year, 15 year, 20 year, 23 year Bundle

(0)

~~$11,145.00~~ $10,999.00

"World's Best Mom" Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Bourbon Handcrafted Mother's Day or Birthday Gift Box

(0)

$1,349.00

Van Winkle 12 Year Special Reserve Lot B 90.4 Proof 750ml

(0)

~~$1,029.00~~ $949.00

Van Winkle 12 Year Special Reserve Lot B | The Bourbon Concierge The 12-year wheated bourbon from the Pappy Van Winkle family, bottled at 90.4 proof. Authenticated bottles, gift boxes available, white-glove shipping.

Van Winkle Special Reserve "Lot B" is the 12-year expression of the Van Winkle family's wheated bourbon — bottled at Buffalo Trace, the family's partner distillery since 2002, at 90.4 proof, and released in tiny annual allocations that never come close to demand.

The name is one of bourbon's better stories. As Julian Van Winkle III tells it, back in his Old Commonwealth days he split his 12-year barrels into two lots: Lot A was small and vanished almost immediately; Lot B was larger and took years to sell through. By the time the next batch was ready, customers were asking for "Lot B" by name — so it stayed on the label. Three decades later, the plain label and wine-shaped bottle are unmistakable on any shelf lucky enough to hold one.

Like every Van Winkle bourbon, Lot B is wheated — wheat takes the place of rye in the mash bill, trading spice for softness. Twelve years in the barrel turns that softness into something deeper: caramel and ripe stone fruit up front, honeyed oak and baking spice underneath, and a finish so gentle you understand why wheated bourbon inspires this much devotion. Within the family lineup it sits between Old Rip Van Winkle 10 and the Family Reserve bottlings that made "Pappy" a household name — old enough to show real maturity, restrained enough at 90.4 proof to pour generously. Ask around: plenty of longtime collectors will tell you, quietly, that Lot B is the one they actually drink.

A word on trust, because with Van Winkle it matters: counterfeits are a genuine problem in this category, and it's why every Van Winkle bottle we offer comes from authenticated and verified sources. White-glove packing and, in most cases, same-day shipping come standard. Buying it as a gift? This listing is the bottle on its own — the same bourbon is also available in our Van Winkle gift sets, built for exactly that occasion. And for the collectors — we hunt down vintage, laser-code-dated Lot B releases, the kind of bottles you otherwise only see in someone else's trophy cabinet.

At a glance

Producer: Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery
Bottled at: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky (the family's home since 2002)
Style: Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Age: 12 years
Proof: 90.4 (45.2% ABV)
Size: 750ml

Common questions

Is Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot B the same as Pappy Van Winkle?
Same family, same wheated recipe, different tier. "Pappy Van Winkle" formally refers to the Family Reserve bottlings (15, 20, and 23 year); Lot B is the 12-year Special Reserve just below them — which is why enthusiasts often call it "Baby Pappy."

What does "Lot B" mean?
The story goes back to the early 1990s: Julian Van Winkle III split his 12-year barrels into two lots. Lot A sold out fast; Lot B lingered long enough that customers learned to ask for it by name, and the name never left the label.

Is Lot B a wheated bourbon?
Yes — wheat replaces rye as the secondary grain, the signature of every Van Winkle bourbon. The result is a softer, sweeter, rounder profile than traditional rye-recipe bourbons.

Why is Van Winkle Lot B so hard to find?
It's released in very limited annual allocations, and the share reaching any single store is tiny. Most bottles never reach an open shelf — which is exactly the problem a concierge exists to solve.

*Must be 21 to order.

Pappy Van Winkle 25 Years Old Decanter, Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year

(0)

$59,999.00

Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year 107 Proof

(7)

~~$2,199.00~~ $2,099.00

Pappy Van Winkle 23 Years Old Decanter, Old Rip Van Winkle 23 Year

(0)

$35,999.00

Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year

(1)

$1,229.00

Pappy Van Winkle 15 Years Old Single Barrel By Bourbon Connoisseurs Barrel 002 15 Years 10 Months Old

(0)

$25,995.00

Van Winkle Gift Box Set - Customized!

(0)

From $1,449.00

"Best Pappy Ever" Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Bourbon Handcrafted Gift Box

(9)

$1,399.00

Pappy Van Winkle 20 750ml

(0)

~~$2,999.00~~ $2,899.00

Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year 750ml

(0)

$4,299.00

Blog

Van Winkle Bourbon is More Than Hype, It's Legendary

Pappy Van Winkle isn’t just bourbon—it’s lore in a bottle. If you’ve heard the whispers, seen the empty spots on back bars, or joined a lottery that went nowhere, you know this name holds weight. But behind the myth is a story worth savoring: one of craftsmanship, family legacy, and a wheated bourbon recipe that reshaped American whiskey. At The Bourbon Concierge, we don’t just sell Van Winkle—we’ve spent decades studying its evolution, tasting its vintages, and curating its best expressions for those who demand excellence. This guide unpacks the Van Winkle legacy, explores what sets each bottle apart, and offers insights from the people who know this bourbon best—not from internet hearsay or message board hype, but from real experience. A Bourbon Dynasty Born from Rebellion When Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr. entered the whiskey world in the late 1800s, he wasn’t destined to follow the crowd. He started as a traveling salesman for W.L. Weller & Sons and eventually bought into the company. His big break came in 1935 when he co-founded the Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Shively, Kentucky—a facility that would go on to produce some of the finest and most collectible bourbon in American history. What made Stitzel-Weller special wasn't just the family name. It was the decision to lean into a wheat-based mash bill at a time when most bourbon used rye for structure and spice. By replacing rye with wheat, Van Winkle created a whiskey that was softer, smoother, and ultimately more elegant. It was a bold move, and it gave birth to a style that continues to define many of today’s most sought-after bottles. In the decades that followed, Stitzel-Weller distilled legendary labels like Old Fitzgerald, W.L. Weller, and, eventually, Van Winkle Family Reserve. Even as whiskey went through boom-and-bust cycles in the second half of the 20th century, the Van Winkle name retained a quiet reverence. When Stitzel-Weller closed its doors in 1992, the family continued producing Van Winkle bourbon by sourcing aged stocks and bottling under strict quality controls. That decision laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most powerful legacies in American spirits. A Modern Rebirth with Buffalo Trace Today, the Van Winkle line is produced in partnership with Buffalo Trace Distillery—a collaboration that has been both celebrated and scrutinized. The move ensured consistency, longevity, and global distribution, but it also marked the end of the original Stitzel-Weller supply. For collectors, this created a clear line in the sand: bottles distilled before the switch became instant icons. Still, the Buffalo Trace era brought important innovation. From barrel selection to aging environments, the Van Winkle family and Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley have maintained rigorous standards. While the expressions have evolved subtly over the years—some vintages lean more oaky, others more honeyed—they’ve never lost the elegant, wheat-driven character that defines the brand. Why Pappy Isn’t Just Hype—It’s Harmony in a Glass The Secret? It’s All in the Wheat If there’s one thing that unites every Van Winkle expression—from Old Rip 10 Year to the 23 Year Family Reserve—it’s the mash bill. By using wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain, Van Winkle bourbons achieve a silkier texture, sweeter edge, and more refined palate. This isn’t just marketing spin. Anyone who has tasted side-by-side against a high-rye bourbon will notice the difference immediately. Wheat also allows the oak and age to shine through without becoming bitter or tannic. In older bottlings, this results in a caramelized richness that doesn’t overwhelm the senses—it invites them. No One Says It’s Bad Whiskey Let’s be honest: in the world of premium bourbon, there’s no shortage of opinions. But Van Winkle occupies a rare space where consensus still exists. Across bars, boardrooms, and bottle shares, one sentiment consistently rises to the top: Van Winkle always delivers. Is it hard to find? Yes.Do some people buy it just for the label? Also yes.But for those who actually open the bottle, the reward is real. We’ve poured Van Winkle for first-time buyers and seasoned collectors alike—and the reactions speak for themselves. Balanced. Velvety. Sophisticated. This is not a bottle that exists to be shelved. It’s meant to be enjoyed. The Weller Connection Much has been made about the overlap between Van Winkle and W.L. Weller—and rightly so. Both share the same wheated recipe, and in fact, Weller was once bottled by the Van Winkle family before the brands parted ways. Today, the Weller line is often seen as a more accessible alternative to Pappy, and for good reason: it carries much of the same DNA, especially in expressions like Weller 12 Year or Full Proof. But the differences are just as important. Aging, barrel selection, warehouse positioning, and blending philosophy all separate Weller from Van Winkle. Think of Weller as the opening chapter. Van Winkle is the final act. The Vintages That Matter Most Over the years, certain Van Winkle releases have earned reputations far beyond their age statements. Collectors know that not all vintages are created equal—and part of the thrill lies in discovering that rare year where oak, grain, and time align in perfect harmony. Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Often considered the gateway to the Van Winkle line, this bourbon offers a bold profile that balances classic sweetness with a dash of spice. Tasting notes highlight rich caramel, vanilla, and warm cinnamon, with a finish that feels surprisingly smooth for its 107 proof. It's an ideal starting point for those new to the brand—and a trusted favorite for seasoned collectors who appreciate a pour that never disappoints. Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year "Lot B" Refined and endlessly drinkable, the 12 Year Lot B is known for its elegance. Expect layers of toffee, dried fruit, and soft oak, with a palate that unfolds gently and leaves a lasting impression. It’s the kind of bourbon that earns loyalty—subtle, balanced, and beautifully composed. Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 Year Widely regarded as the sweet spot in the lineup, the 15 Year delivers bold character without overpowering the palate. Notes of dark chocolate, leather, and clove spice build into a full-bodied experience that lingers with intention. For many collectors, this is the pour that defines what Van Winkle does best. Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20 Year Two decades in oak have shaped this expression into something truly special. With layers of dried fruit, honeyed vanilla, and a whisper of sherry-like sweetness, it offers a remarkably smooth, polished finish. It’s a bourbon for those who appreciate subtlety and the quiet complexity that only time can create. Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 23 Year The crown jewel. Aged to near perfection, the 23 Year reveals deep notes of oak, tobacco, and bittersweet cocoa in every sip. It’s contemplative, commanding, and best enjoyed when the moment calls for something unforgettable. More than just a bottle, it’s a liquid memoir of American whiskey history. These aren’t just age statements—they’re milestones in a living timeline. For collectors and connoisseurs alike, understanding the story behind each vintage adds meaning to every pour—and reminds us why Van Winkle isn’t merely a name, but a standard. What Makes a Van Winkle Gift Memorable Van Winkle bottles aren’t just prized for their taste. They’ve become some of the most elegant gifts in the world of spirits. A 15-Year to celebrate a career milestone. A boxed 23-Year as a wedding gift. A Lot B shared between generations. The presentation—clean wax tops, classic labels, sometimes even custom wood boxes—adds gravitas without shouting. It’s the kind of gift that doesn’t need explanation. Just a quiet handoff and a knowing smile. Whether you’re buying to honor a moment or mark a legacy, these bottles carry meaning well beyond their proof. Collecting With Confidence When it comes to building a Van Winkle collection, every bottle tells a story. Some buyers seek out verticals—multiple vintages of the same age statement. Others prefer a spectrum: the 10, 12, 15, 20, and 23 Year lined up like a symphony in stages. At The Bourbon Concierge, we’ve helped collectors build both. Our team sources only bottles we’d pour ourselves—and stores them with the care they deserve. When you shop with us, you’re not chasing shadows or wondering about provenance. You’re selecting from a curated portfolio that’s ready to ship, cellar, or pour. We’re proud to offer a wide array of Van Winkle vintages, including some of the most collectible years—alongside special packaging editions that elevate the experience even further. Don’t Just Chase It. Choose It. There’s a reason Van Winkle still commands reverence: it never tries too hard. It doesn’t need flash or gimmicks. The bottle speaks for itself—and when you finally find the right one, the experience exceeds the legend. Whether you’re after the elusive 15-Year to mark a milestone or a pristine 23-Year in its decanter for an unforgettable gift, we’ll help you find the perfect pour at the perfect moment. At The Bourbon Concierge, Van Winkle isn’t just a product—it’s part of our purpose. We’ve built relationships, sourced impossible bottles, and shared in the joy of watching them land in the right hands. Bourbon like this doesn’t just get opened. It gets remembered.Explore our collection of Van Winkle bourbons today—and let the story begin. --- Primary photo by Саша Алалыкин

on May 13 2025

Blog

10 Rare Bourbons That Will Elevate Your Collection

Let’s be honest: you already know your way around a top-shelf bourbon. Pappy? Had it. Weller? Been there. Blanton’s? Please. But there’s rare—and then there’s rare. The kind of bottles you don’t see in stores, at bars, or even on most collector shelves. The kind of bourbon that whispers, not shouts. If you’re looking to graduate from the usual suspects to something a little more elusive, this list was built for you. These aren’t just expensive or old. They’re meaningful. They come from shuttered distilleries, pre-modern production methods, or tiny celebratory runs. They’re pieces of American whiskey history—and if you haven’t heard of a few of them, even better. You’re in the right place. (And if you’ve got all ten? We should probably be friends.) What Actually Makes a Bourbon Rare? Some are rare because the distillery is long gone. Others were bottled in minuscule quantities—often decades ago. Sometimes it’s the age, the label, the provenance, or even the specific barrel. But real rarity can’t be manufactured. These bottles weren’t created to be collectable. They simply endured, and the world caught on. 10 Ultra Rare Bourbons Available at The Bourbon Concierge 1. A.H. Hirsch No serious discussion of rare bourbon is complete without A.H. Hirsch. Distilled in 1974 at the fabled Michter’s distillery in Pennsylvania, these bottles weren’t appreciated in their own time—but today, they’re legendary. With age statements ranging from 16 to 20 years and a reputation for hauntingly smooth, rich flavor, the Hirsch lineup has become holy grail territory. The distillery is gone, the supply is finite, and the buzz hasn’t faded. It’s not just one bottle—it’s a rabbit hole. If you’ve never tasted one, start now. If you’ve had one, you already know: nothing else drinks quite like it. 2. Stitzel-Weller Bottlings The name alone is enough to set collectors’ hearts racing. Once home to the original Pappy Van Winkle lineup, the Stitzel-Weller distillery closed its doors in 1992—but the bourbon it left behind is considered among the finest ever produced. Known for wheated mashbills and incredible aging potential, surviving bottles are vanishingly rare and fiercely coveted. Whether it’s a vintage Old Fitzgerald, Rebel Yell, or a Van Winkle from the golden era, Stitzel-Weller juice offers a glimpse into bourbon’s soul. If you’ve never tasted bourbon with real history in the glass, this is the one to chase. 3. Old Rip Van Winkle 25-Year Decanter Only 710 bottles of this 25-year-old expression were ever released—and every one of them came in a hand-blown crystal decanter nestled in a wooden display box crafted from reclaimed Pappy barrels. This isn’t just a bottle; it’s an heirloom. The whiskey inside is sublime—deep oak, leather, spice, and caramelized fruit—all the hallmarks of perfectly aged wheated bourbon without the bitterness that can come with time. Released in 2017, it marked the oldest Van Winkle bourbon ever bottled. For those who think they’ve seen it all, this is the final boss of the Pappy world. 4. Double Eagle Very Rare The Buffalo Trace team doesn’t use the phrase “very rare” lightly. This ultra-limited 20-year-old Eagle Rare expression comes in an exquisite hand-cut crystal decanter, housed in a bespoke display case with an illuminated eagle in flight. But beneath the luxury lies serious substance. Aged two full decades, it balances richness and elegance with notes of candied orange peel, dark oak, and vanilla cream. With only 199 bottles released per year, Double Eagle isn’t just hard to find—it’s nearly mythical. It's one of those bottles that earns a spot in your collection on presence alone, even before the cork is pulled. 5. Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash Released only in select years, Michter’s Celebration isn’t just a showpiece—it’s a masterwork of blending and aging. Drawn from barrels aged up to 30 years and selected by Michter’s Master Distiller, this non-traditional sour mash bourbon has layers of flavor that shift and evolve in the glass. Every release comes in a sleek gift box and a gold-labeled decanter, but what truly sets it apart is how it drinks: rich, spicy, and impossibly smooth. With fewer than 300 bottles in some vintages, Celebration lives up to its name. It’s a toast to excellence—and a nod to those who know. 6. WhistlePig Boss Hog II: The Spirit of Mortimer The first release in WhistlePig’s Boss Hog series is where it all began. A tribute to founder Raj Bhakta’s late pet pig, Mortimer, this edition quickly earned cult status. It’s 100% rye, bottled at barrel strength, and oozing with character—think cinnamon, molasses, maple, and heat. Later Boss Hogs got flashier, but collectors still hold Spirit of Mortimer as the purest, most essential edition. It’s less about gimmicks and more about grit: a powerful, unfiltered rye that changed how the world looked at American whiskey. If you can find it, don’t hesitate—it’s the Boss Hog collectors always come back to. 7. Weller’s Antique Reserve 10-Year (1960s) Before Weller became a modern phenomenon, it was already laying down some of the best wheated bourbon in the game. This 10-year-old Antique Reserve from the 1960s is a time capsule: bold, oaky, and sweet with a rounded edge that only age can deliver. Bottled before today’s strict regulations and massive popularity, these vintage Weller expressions are almost extinct—and all the more beautiful for it. If you believe great bourbon comes from a moment in time, this one delivers the goods and then some. It’s a taste of the past that still manages to feel ahead of its time. 8. Redemption 36-Year Bourbon Thirty-six years. That’s an almost impossible age for a bourbon to reach without collapsing under the weight of oak—but Redemption pulled it off. This unicorn release yielded just 18 barrels, making it one of the oldest bourbons ever commercially bottled. The result? A deep, brooding profile of saddle leather, charred wood, tobacco, and black cherry. It’s not for beginners. This is bourbon at its most contemplative—a slow sipper that rewards quiet attention and serious respect. If you’re looking to round out your collection with something that defies the odds, Redemption’s 36-Year is your final form. 9. Jefferson’s Presidential Select 17-Year Back when Jefferson’s sourced whiskey from the old Stitzel-Weller stocks, magic happened. The 17-Year expression is a prime example—made with wheated bourbon from the golden age of American distilling. Soft, complex, and impossibly smooth, it delivers a luxurious balance of maple, vanilla, and dried fruit. With those original barrels long gone, this release has become a ghost bottle for serious collectors. It’s the kind of pour you open with reverence, knowing there won’t be another quite like it. If you believe great bourbon is equal parts art and time travel, this is your ticket back. 10. The Last Drop 1980 Bourbon A bottle that lives up to its name. The Last Drop 1980 Bourbon was uncovered from long-forgotten barrels aging in undisclosed Kentucky rickhouses—bottled decades after its distillation, in quantities so small you could count them by hand. Every release from The Last Drop Distillers is meticulously curated, and this one is no exception. It’s velvety, layered, and luxuriously long on the finish. But more than that, it’s rare in the truest sense: unscripted, unrepeatable, and nearly gone. If you want a bottle that starts conversations and ends evenings, this is the rare bourbon that delivers both. Want to Test Us? Try Naming a Rarer Bourbon. At The Bourbon Concierge, our private reserve is just the beginning. Our team sources bottles from across the country (and occasionally the world), tracking down long-lost labels and single barrels so rare they’re barely whispers. If there’s a bottle on your wishlist that you’ve never seen available—send us a message. We love a challenge, and we love impressing fellow collectors even more. Try us. We dare you. Request an Ultra-Rare Bourbon > The Value of Something You Can’t Just Buy Rare bourbon isn’t just about what’s in the bottle—it’s about everything that led up to it. The risk, the wait, the craft. Some bottles are too unique to repeat, too limited to resell, or too meaningful to open casually. And that’s exactly why they matter. You don’t need a holiday to enjoy something special. But if National Bourbon Day gives you an excuse to open a unicorn, share a pour with someone who’ll appreciate it, or finally hunt down that impossible bottle—well, that’s a reason worth raising a glass to. Explore our rare bourbon collection. Or better yet, let us find your next obsession. Preview image by Tony Chen on Unsplash

on Mar 31 2025

Search results

Search results