Last night I finally got to try Pappy 23. They don’t sell it in the stores around here, and I probably wouldn’t be able to splurge for it if they did. We went to eat at a restaurant that happened to have it, and while we were having a pre-dinner cocktail at the bar I was talking to the (very knowledgeable) bartender about it. He special orders it, and can only get 3 bottles at a time (apparently, special ordering liquor can be a headache in NC due to state law/red tape issues.) They were down to their last bottle, which was about half empty. They usually have the 15 too, but were completely out at the moment. Anyway, my wife told me I should try it, even though the price was ridiculous for a single drink (about the same as what I normally pay for a 750ml bottle of decent stuff.) So, after our meal we came back into the bar and he poured my drink. I appreciated that he gave me an extra tip of the bottle after measured jigger was poured.
The aroma was fantastic. Those of you that have had it know the sweet, deep-but-mild smell. I let my wife (who does not drink straight liquor and detests whiskey) take the first sip, and she was amazed. Then I got the glass back and had my first sip. Truly, truly great stuff. I took my time with it, knowing it would be a long time before I’d have it again (although I think the groundwork was laid for Christmas time…) While I enjoyed it tremendously, I’m not sure it’s worth the exorbitant price, compared to other fine bourbons.
All Van Winkles are excellent. I wouldn’t buy the 23 unless I hit a pretty good jackpot somewhere, but the others I’ve been known to purchase semi-regularly.
How does the Rip Van Winkle line stand up against similarly priced competitors? I have to check next time I go, but I think my local shop carries at least one of the Rip labels. I enjoy almost all of the readily-available bourbons, but always like to try something new.
I like all of them. The rye is very nice, and makes a superior Manhattan. The problem is I can find bourbons that are nearly as good for substantially less, so the Van Winkle’s are a celebration purchase.
Pappy 23 is divine! Pappy 15 is also a fine bourbon. But…
Like SY, they’re both celebration drinks. I can’t afford to drink them on a regular basis. I haven’t tried the RVW line though. Maybe my next liquor store run.
The scary thing is that for just everyday sipping, there are some great cheap ryes and bourbons out there. Try Old Weller Antique bourbon or Pikesville rye. Both are less than $13/750ml, and are quite nice.
Be aware the the Antique is 105 proof, so it might need a splash of water to tame the bite. I’m used to it, but it can be a bit off-putting if you’ve never had it before.
The Craig is also in rotation around here. Good stuff.
I think I understand what you mean. It was so smooth that at first it seemed weak, or at least lacking the bite I expect from a bourbon, even a good one. That’s probably why my wife liked it. After a few sips though, I could tell it wasn’t that it was weak, it was just that effing good.
That’s exactly what I mean. It has all of the flavor of bourbon, but none of the bite. To most people, that may sound like a ringing endorsement, but I even want my good bourbons to talk back to me just a little. It looks like we have similar taste in bourbon. Elijah Craig and Beam Black are staples in my home too. I regularly refer to EC as my boyfriend. Because he is, you know.
That brings up an interesting thought. I’m not aware of any bourbons named after women. Sure, they are usually named after the patriarchal distiller/colonel/bootlegger… but none ever had a wife, girlfriend or daughter worthy of a brand? I’d like a gf bourbon…
So, I just did a blind taste test of Beam Black (8 year), Russell’s Reserve (10 year),and Elijah Craig (12 year.) The Beam and Russell’s were very similar in aroma and taste, but the Craig was definitely my favorite.