Van Winkle (Pappy) Bourbon Flight

In this flight, I compared the four oldest bourbons in the Van Winkle line, commonly referred to as "Pappy", though the oldest version doesn't technically carry the Pappy name. All of these bourbons are released by the Buffalo Trace distillery, though the Van Winkle family maintains some influence over the production through their contract with Sazerac. Without a doubt, the Van Winkle bourbons are the most sought after in the world, and therefore, they command exceedingly high prices on the secondary market. I believe this is first time on the internet that anyone has created a flight of the four oldest Van Winkle expressions. You can read and watch my individual reviews of each of these bourbons. Here, they are compared side by side.

THE RESULTS:

1. Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 23 Years Old

2. Old Rip Van Winkle Aged 25 Years

3. Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20 Years Old

4. Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 Years Old

When I did the individual reviews, I thought the 20 year was the best, with its prominent Christmas flavors. When I did the head to head flight, I had a different experience. I thought the 23 year had the best balance of sweet notes and spicy notes, with a phenomenal mellowness, provided by the extra years in the barrel. I wanted the 25 year to be the best, because it's so rare and expensive, but it had a floral note that set it slightly behind the 23 year. Several reviewers on the internet think the 15 year is the best, but it had an earthy note that set it significantly behind the 20 year. There is a point where bourbons can be over aged, where the oak tannins become dry, astringent and bitter. In my opinion, none of these bourbons reach that point. One of the mystical properties of Pappy Van Winkle is its ability to hide its age through its wheated mash bill, the sweetness of the caramelized oak, and the prominent cherry flavors that permeate the entire line. Few bourbons can reach this age and still maintain an incredible balance of flavors. Every single one of these bourbons is an ace. They are some of the best bourbons in the world, and by far, the best family of bourbons in the world.