Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750ml

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 23-Year-Old is the pinnacle of the Van Winkle bourbon line, a rare and highly coveted expression known for its extraordinary depth, complexity, and smoothness. It represents the ultimate in bourbon aging, offering a refined and nuanced experience for connoisseurs. With its rich history, Pappy 23-Year-Old is regarded as one of the finest bourbons in the world, highly sought after for its scarcity and exceptional quality.

Description:

• Age: 23 years
• ABV: 47.8% (95.6 proof)
• Mashbill: A wheat-based mashbill, which contributes to a softer, sweeter profile than rye-based bourbons, emphasizing smoothness and depth.
• Origin: Kentucky, produced by the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery (now under the Buffalo Trace umbrella), with meticulous care taken in distillation, aging, and bottling.

With 23 years of aging, this bourbon has had ample time to absorb the rich, complex flavors of the oak barrels, resulting in a deep, balanced spirit that strikes an ideal equilibrium between sweetness, spice, and wood influence. Its rarity, combined with its age, makes it an iconic expression in the world of American whiskey.

Tasting Notes:

Nose:

• The nose is incredibly rich and layered, with an overwhelming sense of oak and aged wood, but it is complemented by a deep, decadent sweetness. The immediate aroma is that of caramel, butterscotch, and dark chocolate, followed by a bouquet of dried fruits like figs, prunes, and raisins. There’s a touch of vanilla bean and toffee, as well as a slight smokiness from the extended aging, which adds depth and complexity. Subtle hints of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg emerge, with a gentle tobacco note that rounds out the nose, providing an earthy undertone.

Palate:

• On the palate, Pappy 23-Year-Old is extraordinarily smooth and full-bodied, with a lush, velvety texture that coats the mouth. The initial sweetness of caramel and butterscotch is deepened by a rich, oak-driven complexity that reveals flavors of toffee, molasses, and baked spices. The fruit notes are more pronounced here, with figs, raisins, and a hint of dark cherry, adding layers of richness.

  The wheat-based mashbill gives the bourbon a soft spice that balances the sweet, dark flavors. You’ll also find nuanced tobacco, leather, and nutty notes like almonds or hazelnuts. There’s a faint note of brown sugar and a gentle smokiness, all melded together beautifully. Despite its age, the bourbon remains remarkably smooth and not overly oaky or tannic, demonstrating the mastery of its crafting.

Finish:

• The finish is long, warm, and elegant, with a lingering sweetness of caramel, toffee, and dark chocolate. The oak and spice continue to evolve, offering a tannic dryness that is perfectly balanced by the remaining sweetness. There’s a subtle, peppery warmth at the end, accompanied by a soft, lingering trace of tobacco and vanilla. The finish remains creamy and rich, making the experience incredibly satisfying.

Overall:

Pappy Van Winkle 23-Year-Old is a truly exceptional bourbon that has reached the pinnacle of aging and flavor complexity. The extended time spent in the barrel allows the oak to shape the whiskey without overpowering the softer, sweeter elements. It’s a bourbon that offers a deep and immersive tasting experience, with a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, oak, and fruit.

Its richness and complexity make it an absolute treat for whiskey lovers, with each sip revealing new layers of flavor. The finish is luxurious, and the smoothness of the body belies its 23 years of aging, which is a remarkable feat in itself.

Due to its rarity and the high demand, Pappy 23-Year-Old is often a dream bottle for collectors and connoisseurs alike. It's best enjoyed neat or with a drop of water to open up its full range of aromas and flavors. This is a whiskey that should be savored slowly, with each sip offering a glimpse into the exceptional care and craftsmanship that went into creating it.