Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 Year from 2012, a 15-year-old wheated Kentucky straight bourbon at 107 proof. It is the youngest and strongest of the three Family Reserve bottlings.
About This Bourbon
Buffalo Trace describes the 15 Year as made on the family's wheated recipe from barrels in the heart of the warehouses, left undisturbed for 15 years in heavily charred oak. It is reduced only a little, to 107 proof (53.5% ABV). The dates matter here. A 15-year-old whiskey bottled in 2012 was distilled before the family's 2002 partnership with Buffalo Trace, so this release holds whiskey from the family's older stocks.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Caramel corn and vanilla, then cherry, cocoa, baking spice and tobacco leaf.
- Palate: Big and rich, with leather, oak, toffee and layered dark fruit.
- Finish: Long and smooth, drying on spice and oak tannin.
Serving & Food
Pour neat at room temperature into a Glencairn and taste a first sip at full strength. A splash of water brings out more fruit. Serve with rib-eye steak with a peppercorn crust, blue cheese with honey or bitter chocolate torte.
How to Enjoy
Collectors building a Pappy 15 run by year, and experienced bourbon drinkers who like depth and strength together.
Product Details
Producer: Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery
Expression: Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 Year
Style: Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, wheated
Age: 15 years old
ABV: 107 proof / 53.5% ABV
Release Year: 2012
Volume: 750mL
Region: Kentucky, USA
Origin: USA
About the Distillery
The 15 Year has had more than one label. It began in 1989 as Old Rip Van Winkle 15, in the squat barrel-shaped bottle, and in 2004 it moved under the Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve name in the standard bottle. The Family Reserve line carries Pappy's portrait and is named for Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle Sr. The family release calendar also changed around this time, and spring 2012 saw the last spring release of the Van Winkle whiskeys.