The Annual Van Winkle Whiskey Collection Returns, Yielding Additional Older Bottles in the 2024 Season

Old Rip Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace Distilleries confirm the 20 and 23-year-old barrels produced more bottles than typical this season

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Dec. 12, 2024) – Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and Buffalo Trace Distillery are proud to announce the return of the Van Winkle Whiskey Collection. Renowned for its wheated recipe, the Van Winkle Collection features six distinctive whiskeys. The wheated recipe, favored by Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, results in a softer, smoother taste profile that has helped the bourbon become among the world’s most coveted. Complimenting the bourbons, the Collection’s 13-year-old rye whiskey offers a more subtle spice due to its lower rye content. Excitingly, this year’s release includes a surplus of 20-Year-Old and 23-Year-Old Family Reserve Bourbons.

“There’s an incomparable feeling of joy that comes from finding a bottle of Pappy on the shelf,” said Julian Van Winkle III, President, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “This season, we’re excited that connoisseurs have a greater chance to enjoy our older expressions, thanks to an exceptional yield from these barrels.”

The Van Winkle Collection vintages are on shelves now in stores, bars and restaurants across the United States at varying retail prices. Due to the extended aging process, which results in significant evaporation and lower barrel yields, supply is limited. The suggested retail prices for the limited-edition Van Winkle collection bottles are as follows:

• 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.

The Van Winkle family reminds 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.

About Van Winkle Bourbon

The Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery has a four-generation history. The Van Winkle family’s involvement in the bourbon industry began in the late 1800s with Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr. He was a traveling salesman for the W.L. Weller and Sons wholesale house in Louisville. Pappy and a friend and fellow Weller salesman Alex Farnsley eventually bought the wholesale house and also partnered with Mr. A. Ph. Stitzel on the purchase of Mr. Stitzel’s distillery.  The three of them merged the two companies and became the Stitzel-Weller Distillery after Prohibition.

In May of 1935 at the age of 61, Pappy opened the newly completed Stitzel-Weller Distillery in South Louisville. Its prominent brands were W.L. Weller, Old Fitzgerald, Rebel Yell, and Cabin Still.  Pappy had a heavy influence on the operations there until his death at the age of 91. His son, Julian, Jr. took over operations until he was forced by stockholders to sell the distillery in 1972. The rights to all of their brands were sold to Norton Simon, Inc. Later, United Distillers, who eventually ended up with the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, sold off all of the original labels around 1999.

After selling the distillery, Julian Jr. resurrected a pre-Prohibition label, the only one to which the Van Winkles kept the rights, called Old Rip Van Winkle. He used whiskey stocks from the old distillery to supply his brand. Julian Jr.’s son, Julian, III took over in 1981 when Julian, Jr. passed away. Julian III has continued with the Van Winkle tradition of producing high-quality wheated bourbon. His son, Preston, joined the company in 2001 and the Van Winkles look to continue that tradition for generations to come.

In 2002 the Van Winkles entered into a joint venture with Buffalo Trace Distillery in Franklin County, Frankfort, Ky, joining the Van Winkle and Weller Bourbons again in one production house.  It was a natural tie since the wheated mash bill used in the Weller Bourbons was already being produced at Buffalo Trace.  All of the Van Winkle’s whiskey production now takes place at Buffalo Trace Distillery under the same strict guidelines the family has always followed. For more information on the Van Winkle family of bourbon please visit www.oldripvanwinkle.com. 

About Buffalo Trace Distillery    

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 40 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Buffalo Trace Distillery also has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Whisky Magazine issue #204
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Over the cover, we catch up with Heaven’s Door, the distillery co-founded by musician Bob Dylan. Heaven’s Door was created with the aim of reflecting both Dylan’s virtuosity and the rich heritage of Kentucky whiskey making. Its new Pleasureville distillery is testament to both.

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The latest annual edition of the Whisky Magazine Editor’s Blend has been revealed. The Editor’s Blend 2024 Sweet and Spicy is the seventh release in the series.

Each Editor’s Blend release is made up of more than 1,500 whiskies which were entered into the World Whiskies Awards 2024, drawing its final flavour from styles from around the world. The 2024 edition was bottled at the English Distillery, which earlier this year was awarded the World’s Best Single Malt for its Sherry Cask expression.

The final recipe contains 22 per cent bourbon and rye, 7 per cent peated single malt, 15 per cent blended Irish whiskey, 17 per cent Scotch single malt, 27 per cent Scotch blended whisky, and 12 per cent world blended whisky. Just 195 bottles will be released worldwide, and all the profits from the production will be donated to charity.

The Whisky Magazine Editor’s Blend 2024 Sweet and Spicy is bottled at 46.2% and available now at RRP £85

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Join us at Rothes Glen, The Luxury Castle for Whisky Connoisseurs, to experience a two-night, all-inclusive ultimate whisky getaway, in the heart of Speyside this January. Our ultimate whisky weekend over Burns Night is perfect for solo whisky enthusiasts, couples or groups who wish to indulge in the finest foods, whiskies and experiences that Rothes Glen and Speyside has to offer, with like-minded people.

Places are limited to just 28 guests in 14 king-sized bedrooms, so book now to avoid disappointment.

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OUT NOW: Scotch Whisky

Scotch Whisky is the annual publication from the team behind world-renowned drinks titles Whisky Magazine and American Whiskey. Scotch Whisky contains a selection of Whisky Magazine’s in-depth features and interviews from the year, with a catalogue of 100 Scotch whisky tasting reviews to help guide your next purchase.

Scotch Whisky forms the perfect ‘year in review’ for any whisky enthusiast looking to bring themselves up to date with the latest developments in the world’s pre-eminent spirits category or newcomers to Scotland’s national drink who wish to develop a greater depth of knowledge before starting a collection. Scotch Whisky is a valuable addition to any whisky lover’s bookshelf.

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PERSONALISED WHISKY

from the cask

We personalised every bottle by hand…

Our handwritten labels add a personal touch to your Christmas whisky gift. Every bottle is individually dipped in wax to seal it and then we add the label that is hand-written with all the whisky details, date bottled and your name or message.

Choose from a range of single cask whiskies; each one offering its own unique style and flavour. As each whisky come from just one cask, there are a limited number of bottles available. When one cask is finished, we then select another, so you always have different whiskies to choose from.

CHOOSE A WHISKY TO PERSONALISE

High West “A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 12” 98.6 Proof Limited Edition Whiskey Utah (750ml) (Elsewhere $180)

 ($149.99)

“Are you sure That we are awake? It seems to me That yet we sleep, we dream.” – Demetrius, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act 4, Scene 1 – Shakespeare. The famously delicious Midwinter Night’s Dram is finally back! The Midwinter Night’s Dram is the perfect blend of old aged Rye whiskies long finished in Port Wine and French Oak barrels. The rye forms offers delicate of vanilla, caramel and cinnamon, while the port barrels delivers dense plummy, dried fruits. Finally, the high quality French oak barrels offer deep spice and rich sweet oak. This is the first time in a long time that we’ve received a meaningful allocation of Utah’s finest Limited Release and we’re extremely excited to be able to share it with our customers at an unbeatable price.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

ralfy review – THREE Great higher-age single malts in 2024

Bimber Distillery Spreads Holiday Cheer with Christmas Cask Lottery and Santa Edition 2024. 

This holiday season, Bimber Distillery is spreading festive cheer with launch of its Christmas Cask Lottery and the release of its much-anticipated Santa Edition 2024. Whether you’re looking to gift the whisky lover or treat yourself to something truly special, Bimber has the perfect offering to make your holiday spirits bright.

The Christmas Cask Lottery offers a unique opportunity for whisky enthusiasts to own a full cask of Bimber’s finest ex-bourbon single malt whisky. This exclusive prize allows the winner to experience the full journey of whisky maturation. In addition to this exclusive main prize, there are more exciting prizes to be won, making the lottery even more special. Tickets are priced at just £10 and are available from Tuesday 10th December to 24th December via the Bimber website. The draw will be conducted live, with the winner announced on 27th December.

Tickets are unlimited, and those purchasing 10 will receive a complimentary bottle of Apogee 12, a delightful gift to unwrap early.

Meanwhile, the Santa Edition 2024 is set to delight whisky connoisseurs with its rich, festive flavours. Limited to just 301 bottles, this exceptional release has been additionally matured in Pedro Ximénez sherry cask and bottled at 57.8% ABV. Its profile brims with seasonal notes of dried fruits, warm spices, and luscious dark chocolate – making it the perfect dram to enjoy by the fireside. This special edition will be available from Tuesday,10th December via the Bimber website and with an RRP of £89.

Speaking about the launch, Bimber Director Ewelina Chruszczyk said: “This Christmas, we’re thrilled to share two extraordinary experiences with our community of whisky lovers. The Christmas Cask Lottery is a chance for someone to own a piece of Bimber’s journey, while the Santa Edition 2024 embodies the joy and warmth of the festive season. These releases highlight our passion for whisky-making and our commitment to creating unforgettable moments for our fans.”

About Bimber  

Founded in 2015, Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. Our traditionally-focussed approach to whisky creation combines the finest ingredients with heritage production methods that are rarely seen today and an absolute commitment to quality. Our detailed approach has seen us recognised as a leading light in whisky production and garnered multiple industry awards. Producing a wide array of fruit-forward, textural single malts we deliver the ultimate craft whisky experience to a rapidly growing global community of Bimber whisky lovers.

www.bimberdistillery.co.uk

Bimber celebrates milestone with the launch of first age statement single malt whiskies

 Bimber Distillery today announced a landmark release in its admired collection of London single malt whiskies, with the upcoming launch of its first-ever age statement expressions. ‘Harmony of Eight’ and ‘Bimber 8 year old Single Cask Edition’ mark an exciting new chapter for Bimber, reflecting eight years of dedication to traditional whisky-making methods, artistry and an unwavering commitment to quality.

The Harmony of Eight will be available via the Bimber website on the 5th December and with an RRP of £130. The release of 1,090 bottles has been crafted through a fully artisanal process that includes single-farm barley, floor malting at Warminster Maltings, 7-day open-topped fermentation, and distillation in directly fired copper pot stills. Matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, it offers a vibrant and fruit-forward profile that is reflective of 8 years of careful maturation.

Alongside and limited to just 268 bottles, the Bimber 8 Year Old – Single Cask Edition is a tribute to Bimber’s craft and its dedicated following. Similarly crafted using fully traditional methods, this single cask release has been fully matured in an American oak ex-bourbon cask and showcases the depth and maturity of Bimber’s London single malt after eight years of careful aging and was selected by the 2024 Bimber Klub Tasting Panel. It will be available exclusively for Bimber members and will also be launched on the 4th December at a price of £160.

These two releases mark a significant milestone for the distillery, symbolising the culmination of years of meticulous craftsmanship, patience, and dedication to traditional whisky-making methods. They reflect both time and commitment and they showcase not only the depth of character that has developed over eight years but also the distillery’s continued evolution. These age-statement whiskies are a celebration of Bimber’s journey and a testament to the artistry and care poured into every cask, solidifying its reputation as a leading light in craft whisky production.

Speaking of the launch of Harmony of Eight and Bimber 8 year old Single Cask Edition, Bimber Director Ewelina Chruszczyk said: “We are immensely proud to introduce our first age statement whiskies – a reflection of eight years of passion, precision, and unwavering dedication to our craft. These releases are more than just a measure of time; they embody the journey we’ve taken, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the bright future that lies ahead for Bimber.”

Harmony of Eight

Aged 8 years

No. of bottles 1090

70CL / 50% abv

Nose: Fresh, ripe strawberries and raspberries sit alongside meringue, whilst mango and pineapple join gingerbread men and an assortment of gummy sweets.

Palate: Supple and immaculately integrated. Berry and tropical fruit salad is topped with drizzled melted chocolate, nougat pieces and chopped hazelnuts. Oak spice follows – gently piquant and adding uplifting cinnamon and a peppery bite.

Finish: Lingering fruit sweetness married perfectly with enduring oak and fading spices.

Bimber 8 year old – Single Cask Edition

Aged 8 years / Ex-Bourbon Cask Ref. 11

No. of bottles 268

70CL / 56.8% abv

Nose: Rich and inviting with pineapple, dried apricots and aromas of resinous pine. Jamaican ginger cake, treacle sponge and a spice rack of nutmeg, clove and cinnamon join a light herbaceous note of eucalyptus.

Palate: Full-bodied and decadent with big chocolate, roasted cereals and caramel. Dark wood notes and brown sugars sit alongside cinnamon dusted doughnut balls, whilst bold notes of liquorice and join almonds, hazelnuts, crème caramel and vanilla pods.

Finish: An indulgent finish that lingers beautifully. French toast served with black tea, cinnamon crunch cereal and lingering apricot with a late minty note.

About Bimber

Founded in 2015, Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. Our traditionally-focussed approach to whisky creation combines the finest ingredients with heritage production methods that are rarely seen today and an absolute commitment to quality. Our detailed approach has seen us recognised as a leading light in whisky production and garnered multiple industry awards. Producing a wide array of fruit-forward, textural single malts we deliver the ultimate craft whisky experience to a rapidly growing global community of Bimber whisky lovers.

www.bimberdistillery.co.uk

AUCTION WELL UNDERWAY!

With the auction well on its way, it’s a good time to take a closer look at a few of the bottlings on offer. Released between 2001 to 2004, Ardbeg’s wonderfully-aged vintage expressions were produced in small batches like this lovely 1977 example.

Staying in that awesome era of the 1970’s, have a look at this little gem. Distilled in 1971 at the now closed Montrose distillery Glen Esk, aged for 31 years, drawn from a single Cask and then bottled at natural Cask strength by Douglas Laing in 2001 for their prestigious Old Malt Cask range.

One of only 246 bottles produced.

Distilled in 1970 at the closed Hillside Distillery, then bottled around 1995/96 at natural Cask strength, this is an excellent example of the highly regarded Rare Malts range.

We have sixteen Manager’s Drams in this month’s auction, including these three little beauties! For this range, the distillery manager is tasked to choose the finest casks from a distillery to produce this yearly malt which is then bottled at Cask strength in limited numbers.

These are only a few of the fascinating bottles in our December auction, we have much more to enjoy, including bottles from many of your other favourite distilleries. To view more wee gems visit clickwhiskyauctions.com. Register to bid. Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Auction ends Sunday 15^th December from 8pm GMT.

Specially selected by the Inverurie Whisky Shop, this is our third collaboration with the Octave range from Duncan Taylor.  Only 99 bottles are available. The Octave Holyrood has aged for 3 years in oak casks then spent the final 3 months in an octave cask. This is a limited release of only 99 bottles of sherried goodness, bottled at a cask strength of 55.1%.

The Octave range is where the finest whiskies have a final maturation in reconstructed ex sherry octave casks, the spirit is invigorated by the increased wood contact in the smaller casks, bringing you a spectacular dram

Cask Type: Sherrywood Octave

Cask Number: 12143803

Limited: 99 Bottles

Distilled: 2021 Bottled: 2024

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Freshly baked Ginger sponge, eucalyptus and orange peel

Palate: Ginger cake again, with orange zest and malty, sherried sweetness. White pepper, rye spices and nutmeg, with other dry Christmas spices of cinnamon.

Finish: Toasted Oak, dry, orange peel and a lasting ginger spice.

55.1% ABV

70cl

Duncan Taylor Octave Holyrood
2021 Octave
Inverurie Whisky Shop Exclusive
£74.99

This is the season to celebrate the moments we share with our loved ones.Whether given as a gift, or to share together on a special occasion, we have curated a collection of The Macallan single malt whiskies and accessories that will celebrate the moment, as we reflect on the past and toast to the future.

 EXPLORE THE GIFT GUIDE