Either way, the Van Winkle Whiskey Collection is back just in time for the holidays! As you hunt for these coveted bottles, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and Buffalo Trace Distillery tell BourbonBlog.com they want you to stay alert for counterfeits. we’ll tell you more about spotting fakes below.
And here’s the good news:
20-Year-Old and 23-Year-Old Family Reserve Bourbons are available in greater quantities than usual for the 2024 release, giving fans a better chance to score these rare treasures during the holidays.
What’s on your wishlist?
Tell us in the comments below (also on this link) which expression tops your holiday dreams. And if you’ve had the pleasure of tasting one, share your favorite from the Van Winkle Collection as well.
The Van Winkle Collection 2024 release has arrived, and if you’re lucky, you might find it on shelves in stores, bars, or restaurants across the United States—though the prices, as always, will vary. What prices have you come across? Again, share your findings with us through this link for comments.
Here are the prices and tasting notes provided by Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and Buffalo Trace Distillery.
The Van Winkle Whiskey Collection 2024
Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10-Year-Old – $129.99
At 107 proof, the nose of this 10-year-old bourbon reveals rich oak spice layered with subtle hints of licorice and dark cherry.
On the palate, a well-rounded body showcases deep flavors of oak, tobacco, and sweet fruit. The finish of this Old Rip Van Winkle classic is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of dark cherry and soft tobacco.
Old Rip Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12-Year-Old – $149.99
Ripe stone fruit and chocolate dominate the aroma of this 90.4 proof bourbon, setting the stage for a honeyed sweetness on the palate.
Balanced by gentle oak and a whisper of tobacco, the flavors meld seamlessly. The finish is slightly dry with a pleasant tingle.
Old Rip Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13-Year-Old – $199.99
Roasted nuts, oaky vanilla, and ripe fruit highlight the aroma of the 95.6 proof rye in the Van Winkle family.
On the palate, chocolate and spice intertwine with caramel richness and a touch of oak dryness. The complex finish showcases gentle baking spices and roasted caramel for a perfectly balanced experience.
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15-Year-Old- $199.99
Untouched for 15 years and unhurried by time, caramel corn and vanilla dominate the nose of this 107-proof whiskey, offering a warm prelude to the palate’s sweet, smooth entry.
Rich notes of leather, oak, and dark fruit add depth and complexity, concluding with lingering hints of spice and oaky tannins.
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20-Year-Old- $319.99
Warm holiday spices blend with caramel sweetness and delicate notes of chocolate on the nose of this 20-year-old, 90.4 proof vintage.
The palate delivers a harmonious mix of caramel, cinnamon sugar, and subtle spice, offering a rich, layered experience. A slightly dry and oaky finish reflects two decades of careful aging, leaving a lasting impression.
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23-Year-Old – $449.99
The nose of Pappy’s 23-Year-Old Bourbon presents a perfect harmony of toasty caramel, soft cream, and nuanced notes of oak, nuts, and leather.
On the palate of the 95.6 proof expression, vanilla, maple, and honey meet citrus and gentle spice. The finish is slightly dry, with a lingering balance of leather and oak.
Pricing, Availability, and Counterfeit Risks: What Van Winkle Fans Should Know
The Van Winkle family tells BourbonBlog.com that they want fans to know fans that neither they nor Buffalo Trace Distillery control the prices individual retailers charge for the expressions.
The best chance to find Van Winkle products at a fair price is through lotteries offered by many retailers, where consumers can purchase bottles from the Collection at MSRP.
“Ultimately, the only legal and reputable source consumers should be buying from is a licensed retailer,” noted ORVW President Julian P. Van Winkle III. “This is the safest, foolproof way to ensure your bottle is not counterfeit.”
Whiskey fans increase their risks of purchasing phony bottles by purchasing from secondary markets and online sellers including Craigslist, eBay, and social media groups.
Many alcohol scams take place overseas, and while rare in the United States, in some cases, consuming alcohol from outside the system can lead to bodily harm and even casualties.
Whiskey buyers who believe they have been scammed should not drink out of their bottle.
They should also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, contact their State Attorney General’s office, and contact their credit card company about its fraud protection policies.
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Faith Vohden
Tried (12 YO) this weekend for the first time thanks to a friend. Thought I was in Heaven. Been searching for my own bottle for 15 years.
Johnny Ferguson
Would love to try all of them . I’m 63 and as long as I can remember I wanted to try some pappy