This bourbon is more than just a whiskey —it’s a rarity, a luxury, and a legend in a bottle.
Pappy Van Winkle bourbon is almost something of a myth among collectors and enthusiasts due to its scarcity and exceptional quality. It does exist, but bottles of the bourbon are so elusive and expensive that it’s just that tough to get your hands on.
According to Buffalo Trace, the distillery that makes Pappy, as it’s affectionately called, bottles retail for anywhere between $70 and $300. However, they often sell for thousands of dollars at auctions and on secondary markets because of their special status.
The story of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon dates back to the late 1800s in Louisville, Kentucky. Its creator, Julian Van Winkle, got his start in the whiskey industry at the age of 18 when he became a traveling liquor salesman for a company named W.L. Weller & Sons. He was excellent at his job.
In 1915, Van Winkle and a fellow salesman bought the company and began producing their own whiskey. Van Winkle opened his first distillery in 1935.
For a while, his was the only major bourbon distillery that used wheat, which made the liquid smoother and sweeter.
Van Winkle died in 1965, and the memory of his wonderful whiskey faded as clear spirits like vodka dominated store shelves in America. Julian Van Winkle’s dedication to high-quality whiskey laid the groundwork for what would become an iconic brand.
In 1972, his son, Julian Van Winkle Jr., started the Old Rip Van Winkle brand. When he passed away in 1981, Julian Van Winkle III took it over. He improved upon Old Rip Van Winkle with the help of his grandfather’s original wheat formula, effectively reviving the family name and practice.
In 1994, he released the world’s first 20-year-old whiskey, and Pappy Van Winkle was born. Today, bottles of Van Winkle are known for their smooth finish and rich, complex flavors. It’s one of the most sought-after spirits across the globe.
Pappy’s limited supply can be attributed to its long aging process. All bourbon goes through an aging process of at least two years before it can be bottled, but Pappy Van Winkle is aged for at least 15 years prior to its release.
During this process, some of the booze evaporates, resulting in less bourbon to bottle. Plus, production costs are increased, which drives up the price.
The supply is unable to keep up with the demand, so people are willing to shell out more money for a taste of Pappy. The quality of the whiskey has caused it to win many awards, adding to its prestige.
For instance, Pappy was given a score of 99 out of 100 by the Chicago Beverage Tasting Institute in 1997. It was the highest rating a whiskey had ever received. Since then, Pappy has maintained its esteemed reputation.
