PAPPY VAN WINKLE 12 YEAR BOURBON

Size: 750 ml
Proof: 90.4
Created: Buffalo Trace Distillery

• Aged Twelve Years In Lot B
• Hints Of Caramel
• Unicorn Of Bourbon

Taste
Pappy Van Winkle 12 Year Bourbon is like no other bourbon. Van Winkle Special Reserve is the perfect balance of age and proof. It is aged a fine 12 years and bottled at medium proof. This luxurious line of bourbon is named after the iconic Julian P. Van Winkle, Sr. who was called "Pappy" by family and friends who appreciated him dearly. It is produced at the award-winning Buffalo Trace Distillery. This splendid blend is crafted from Mash Bill #2, like other great blends such as Blanton's, William Larue, and Elmer T. Lee's. It is produced with a sour mash of corn, malted barley, and extra rye. This bourbon is one of the most highly sought-after whiskies. It is rich and smooth with vibrant notes of luscious toffee. Medium-bodied with slight hints of caramel, layered with notes of nuts, and slight hints of brown spices with a lengthy, finish.

History
Pappy Van Winkle 12 Year Bourbon is known as unicorn's in the bourbon community. It is an iconic bourbon created to commemorate the legacy of Julian P. Van Winkle, Sr. best known as "Pappy" by those who knew him and loved him. Pappy began working at W.L. Weller & Sons in 1893 as a traveling whiskey salesman and eventually became the President of Stitzel-Weller Distillery. During this time he sold Old Fitzgerald and earned an outstanding reputation for his commitment to a fine bourbon. His vow is still honored today. During this time bourbon wasn't selling and Pappy's son, Julian Jr., ended up selling the business in 1972. It was one of his biggest regrets so he formed a company called "J.P. Van Winkle and Son" just in case his son wanted to continue the bourbon business. He got into marketing bourbon through many types of commemorative decanters and would bottle on the side. In 1981 Julian III took over the business after his father passed away. He was 32 years old and married with 4 children, one boy, and triplet girls. During this time, there wasn't a lot of demand for premium bourbon. But, he didn't let that discourage him. As his grandfather, Pappy started from the ground up, too. So, with the same passion in mind, Julian the Third purchased the Old Hoffman Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, for barrel storage and bottling purposes. He couldn't afford to advertise, but the quality of Old Rip Van Winkle sold itself. In 1997 Julian III scored 99/100 from a beverage testing institute. Soon he was being contacted by people interested in carrying his product. When first approached by Buffalo Trace, Julian III was honored, but not immediately interested. He had enough bourbon aging, but the concern was for future reserves since bourbon was increasing in popularity. Buffalo Trace bought the W.L. Weller label in 1999 and has been making the bourbon with nearly the same recipe as Pappy. The transition was easy, and as of May 2002, Buffalo Trace has produced the Van Winkle bourbons, using Pappy's exact recipe. This change allows Old Rip Van Winkle to maintain their strict quality standards while producing more barrels for future enjoyment.