Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year, the oldest whiskey the Van Winkle family has released. Distilled at Stitzel-Weller in 1989 and bottled in 2017 at 100 proof, it came in just 710 numbered crystal decanters, each in a wooden case.
About This Bourbon
Only 11 barrels were used. After 12 more years on the lower floors of Buffalo Trace's brick warehouses, the whiskey was moved into stainless steel in 2014 to stop the oak taking over, then bottled in 2017 at 100 proof (50% ABV). Each handmade decanter from Glencairn Crystal Studio is engraved, numbered and fitted with a silver stopper, with a glass stopper included. The case was handmade in North Carolina by James Broyhill II of Heritage Handcrafted.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Oak and caramel, deep and polished, with vanilla, leather and dark dried fruit.
- Palate: Mature and even rather than woody, with toffee, dark sugar, dried cherry and a tobacco note.
- Finish: Long and slow, finishing on sweet oak and caramel.
Serving & Food
Open it for a special occasion and pour small measures into crystal nosing glasses at room temperature. Let each glass sit for ten minutes before tasting. Serve it on its own, or follow it with a square of very dark chocolate or a few toasted walnuts.
How to Enjoy
Top-tier bourbon collections and milestone gifts, where the full set with case and stoppers matters.
Product Details
Brand: Old Rip Van Winkle
Distillery: Stitzel-Weller, Shively, Kentucky (bottled at Buffalo Trace)
Category: Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, wheated
Age: 25 Years Old
Distilled: 1989
Bottled: 2017
Proof: 100
ABV: 50%
Production: 710 numbered decanters from 11 barrels
Presentation: Set: Glencairn crystal decanter with silver stopper, glass stopper and wooden case
Volume: 750mL
About the Distillery
Stitzel-Weller, the Shively distillery Pappy Van Winkle opened in 1935, changed hands several times once the family let it go. It ended up with the company that became Diageo, which stopped distilling there in 1992. This whiskey was made there in the spring and autumn of 1989, among the last runs before the stills went quiet. The family had bought the barrels and aged them on the lower floors of a metal-clad warehouse at Shively until 2002, when they moved to Buffalo Trace with the rest of the family's stock.