Last week I began looking for Bourbon, specifically Van Winkle Bourbon, based on a thread on the Busse Combat BladeForums sub-forum. In ignorance of the price, my thoughts were to try a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle (23 year old). When we went to the Liquor Barn, I found that they had no Van Winkle in stock.

I decided to get a bottle of Four Roses (small batch because its description was more appealing to me than the single barrel) because more than one local Bourbon aficionado has sung its praises. I also bought a bottle of Bernheim small batch wheat whiskey (I'm not sure why, but its description also appealed to me) and a bottle of Old Overholt rye whiskey (plus a couple cases of Octoberfest beer, one Spaten and one Sam Adams, but that's a different story). Old Overholt was a strange choice in that it's quite cheap (just over $12/liter); however, I'd read good things about it online and at that price it wasn't much of a risk.

I haven't opened the Four Roses or Bernheim yet, but I've drunk much of the Old Overholt (mixed about 1/3 spring water to 2/3 whiskey, I've found that it helps me fall asleep when I've had trouble sleeping otherwise) and have been very pleasantly surprised with it. You won't impress anyone as a big spender with it, but it's a rather smooth, very palatable drink.

Today, I continued the Van Winkle quest with more success. I found a local liquor store named "The Keg" (http://www.kegliquors.com/) that had one bottle of 10 YO Van Winkle for $36.99 which I bought. They also had a bottle of 23 YO Pappy, but wanted $300 for it, which is too rich for me. When I went grocery shopping at Kroger, I strolled through their liquor isle and noticed that they had a couple bottles of Jack Daniels single barrel (Tennessee whiskey) on closeout for just under $30 a bottle, so I bought them on impulse. Finally, on the way home, I decided to stop at another local liquor store, and scored their only bottle of Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 YO "Lot B". It was $52.99, but I was quite happy to find it as that's a more difficult to find spirit. They also had a $300 bottle of Pappy; I suspect that, like JWB, it's a spirit I'll never taste.

The owner of The Keg told me that he used to be able to get a cases of Van Winkle, but last season he only received 8 bottles. He also said that he expects the Fall delivery in about three weeks, so I can check back then. So, for a fellow who doesn't usually drink much, I find myself building up quite a liquor cabinet.

Just remember, bourbon only comes from KY, made with water from the bourbon river. Some of the best I have had was Woodford reserve. It's easy to get, reasonably priced and realy good. I have never heard of the van winkle. I would like to try some. I friend of mine bought a bottle 30 year old Jim Beam at an auction. He only wanted the bottle and gave me the whiskey. Man, it was good. So smooth and strong. I would smell up the whole house every time I took the top off of the mason jar. I wish I had some more of it.

I live just across the Ohio from Louisville, so Bourbon County is pretty close. One of these days I need to visit Bardstown and go on some distillery tours. When I was in the Navy, people talked about planning their vacations to go to the Kentucky Derby -- it's literally just a few miles down the road and I've never been. It's easy to discount events that are close to home as little more than the cause of bad traffic.

Very true. I have never been to the derby either. I dont think it is my scene. I would like to try one of the tours too. Did you know that Bourbon county is dry, and Christian county is wet? Who would have thunk it? Have fun with the drinkage.

My dad had a friend who gave him a bottle of pappy wan winkles even though my dad doesnt drink. I asked but he gave it to someone else. As for blue lable, its 130$ on post in germany so I have had it. Its soooooo smooth

All the bourbon for tasting and tours next week. Pappy 20 is usually available by the glass. I haven't seen pappy 23 for tasting yet though. For the price difference I never could justify the 23 over the 20.

http://www.kybourbonfestival.com

I'll have to check that out sometime. Never been a bourbon drinker.

I agree with 45xd595, the Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year is quite a drink at a lower price over the 23 year. A good price is anywhere from $90-110. The finish is super long and smooth, and very complex. I actually find it better than the A.H. Hirsch 16 Year, which is by comparison, more astringent and alcoholic, but is at least $200 these. In a way, I would compare the complexity of the Pappy 20 Year to that of Macallan 25 (but obviously, not the taste).

I have both the 23 yr and 20 year old Pappy and by far the 20 is the better of the two. 23 yr is roughly $300 a bottle. The 20 year old is roughly $100 but I have heard that the 10 year old is right on the tail in goodness as the 20 year. So let me know! The 20yr Pappy is smooth and buttery...wow its good

By the way I bought mine in Bardstown at the Kroger wine & spirit shop

Cheers
Dan

Perfect discription

Dan

Anyone ever tried any of the Woodford Reserve Master Collection? Three different variations the last three years. 1st year was Four Grain followed by Sonoma-Cutree Finish (aged briefly in chardonnay barrel) and last year was a Sweet Mash. I haven't seen anything this year.

Fun Blanton's trivia - did you know that there were 8 different horse/rider sculptures? They also show various stages of a horse race in order from being walked to the gate to being whipped towards the homestretch. There are eight one for each letter in Blantons and are marked with small letters to spell out Blanton's. Next time your are at your favorite beverage dispensary take a look.