Van Winkle Bourbon Agings

Can anyone on here give me a rundown on the taste differences between the Van Winkle bourbon agings?

While I'd love to buy a bottle of the 23 year Family Reserve, Ebay is currently showing those close to $400. I'm wondering how much I'll lose with the 20 year or 15 year varieties.

Right now, my favorites are:

Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit
Evan Williams Single Barrel

 

I have the 20 & 12 yr and have tried the 15 but not the 23. IMO, I prefer the 15, really hard to get a hold of and big $ on eBay.

My view:

- The 15 seems to have the richest flavor, finesse and structure of the 3. You get all the caramel, oak, and toastiness. It embodies what wheated Bourbon is all about.
- The 12 is a little lighter, a little harsher, and not as well integrated in flavor profile.
- The 20 is right up there with the 15, maybe a little more classy and refined.
- I have heard the 23 is hit and miss and sometimes a little over wooded.

These are fantastic Bourbons and a great addition to your collection whichever you choose.

-Billy

 

Unfortunately, the 23 is hit and miss, as Bill stated, but if you get a good bottle it will knock your socks off! I've gone through about 12 bottles over the past 3 years and one was like drinking fire water. The others were wonderful.

 

I cannot tell any difference 20 vs 23. Those are the only 2 I have bought.

BTW, I think Knob Creek is better than either.

 

<insert urologist knob joke here>

 

I agree, just had Van Winkle 15 which was excellent but I think I like Buffalo Trace and Knob Creek better.

 

George T Stagg is the best Bourbon on the market, IMO, hands down....if you can get it.

Knob Creek and Grey Goose are supplying to Costco now, for their 'house brands' ... funny!

-Billy

 

I ended up getting a bottle of 15 year Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve.

I'm amazed at how much more complex it is while simultaneously being more intense than than anything I've had before. Good stuff and I'm not disappointed.

Of course, this just makes me want to try some of the others mentioned in this thread, especially the George T Stagg.

 

Very good news indeed. I love Costco. They have great lamb and beef, also higher end wines at outstanding prices.

 

I am a big fan of the Pappy Van Winkle 23 year, but recently I tried some 20 year Black Maple Hill bourbon and I think that it gives the Pappy 23 year a serious run for the money. I would like to do a taste-test side by side of the Pappy 23 year vs. the 20 Year Black Maple Hill, but I can't find another bottle of 23 year Pappy to put up against the 20 year Black Maple Hill. If you can find a bottle of either one, buy it before someone else buys it.

 

Hey, way to go! Enjoy!

A couple of other inexpensive 'dailys' to add to your collection that you might like:

- Elmer T. Lee
- Noah's Mill
- Johnny Drum

-Billy

 

The bourbon being sold at COSTCO under the Kirkland brand is Jim Beam whiskey aged 7 years and 103 proof. Knob Creek is Jim Beam whiskey aged 9 years and 100 proof. I like them both and consider KC the quintessential bourbon, something I'd give someone unschooled in bourbon who wanted a good example.

On the other hand, I tend to prefer wheated bourbons like the Van Winkles and Wellers. I think Pappy 20 is the best bourbon on the market, with Pappy 15 right up there in second place. I have a bottle of 23 but have not yet opened it. All that said, the Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year old, 107 proof is excellent, too.

Someone mentioned Buffalo Trace. Not a wheater, but an outstanding bourbon at an exceptional price, it is meant to be the flagship of the BT distillery. Incidentally, the Wellers are all BT offerings, as is Stagg. I have a bottle of GTS which is 144.2 proof and consequently a challenge to drink without adding water. I consider it a "fancy" rather than a serious sipping whiskey.

A final observation: the 23, 20, and 15 year-old Pappys are whiskeys from the defunct Stitzel-Weller distillery, now bottled at BT. When that hoard of barrels (controlled by a scion of the Van Winkle family) is gone, the taste profile of these great whiskeys will change.