The 2020 annual release of Pappy Van Winkle and Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon and Rye Whiskeys is just around the corner. While that’s certainly exciting news for fans of the iconic Kentucky brand, there’s also some disappointing news as there will also be less of the older versions of the famous spirits than in years past. Unfortunately, the 20 and 23-year-old barrels yielded far fewer bottles this fall than in previous years. In good news, however, there is more 13 Year Old Rye than expected. The amount of 10, 12, and 15-year Bourbon, meanwhile, will be about the same as previous years.
Due to the wheat recipe versus the traditional rye recipe found in most Bourbons, Van Winkle Bourbons are able to be aged longer than most, in some cases two decades or more, resulting in a sweeter and smoother flavor.
The Van Winkle collection consists of several whiskeys. Suggested retail prices are as follows:
- $69.99 – Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10 Year Old 107 proof
- $79.99 – Old Rip Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12 Year Old
- $119.99 – Old Rip Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
- $119.99 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15 Year Old
- $199.99 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
- $299.99 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23 Year Old
“Unfortunately even though we suggest what we believe to be a very low and fair MSRP, we cannot control the price retailers charge, and some retailers mark it up even though we and the distributors that those retailers buy from ask them not to,” said Julian Van Winkle, president, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “We are committed to releasing quality whiskey at a reasonable cost and we hope retailers will honor what we suggest as a fair retail price.”
The Van Winkle line of Whiskeys has won a multitude of awards through the years, including the 20-year-old receiving a double gold medal, best bourbon, best small batch bourbon at the 2018 New York International Spirits Competition and the 15-year-old nabbing a Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Both Pappy Van Winkle and Old Rip Van Winkle 2020 Bourbon and Rye Whiskey releases will be available starting in November, but the supply is very limited. They will be packed three bottles per case.
