Pappy Van Winkle Reveals 2024 Collection Is Here. You Better Act Fast

Pappy Van Winkle needs no introduction. It's the brand that even non-whiskey drinkers reference in conversations about rare bourbon. And rare it is, indeed. Bottles of the stuff are so desirable they often sell for much, much higher than their suggested retail prices on the secondary market.

But now, if you're lucky, friends with your local liquor proprietor, or both, you might have a chance to snag one of the six expressions for down-to-earth prices. On December 12, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and Buffalo Trace Distillery announced the return of the Van Winkle Whiskey Collection. 

It should go without saying that quantities are limited. But this year, there's a welcome surplus of 20-year and 23-year Family Reserve Bourbons.

“There’s an incomparable feeling of joy that comes from finding a bottle of Pappy on the shelf,” said Julian Van Winkle III, president of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, in a press release. “This season, we’re excited that connoisseurs have a greater chance to enjoy our older expressions, thanks to an exceptional yield from these barrels.”

However, the Van Winkle family reminds Pappy fans that, "neither they nor Buffalo Trace Distillery control the prices individual retailers charge for the expressions. The best chance to find Van Winkle products at a fair price is through lotteries offered by many retailers, where consumers can purchase bottles from the Collection at MSRP."

With that said, here are the six bottles available, along with their suggested retail price, proof, and official tasting notes:

Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10-Year-Old

• MSRP: $130
• Proof: 107
• Nose: Oak spice, licorice, and dark cherry
• Palate: Oak, tobacco, and sweet fruit
• Finish: Long with with lingering notes of dark cherry and soft tobacco

Old Rip Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12-Year-Old

• MSRP: $150
• Proof: 90.4
• Nose: Stone fruit and chocolate
• Palate: Honey, oak, and tobacco
• Finish: Dry with a slight tingle

Old Rip Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13-Year-Old

• MSRP: $200
• Proof: 95.6 proof
• Nose: Roasted nuts, oak, vanilla, and ripe fruit
• Palate: Chocolate, spice, caramel, and oak
• Finish: Complex, with gentle baking spice and roasted caramel

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15-Year-Old

• MSRP: $200
• Proof: 107 proof
• Nose: Caramel corn and vanilla
• Palate: Leather, oak, and dark fruit
• Finish: Long and lingering with hints of spice and oak 

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20-Year-Old

• MSRP: $320
• Proof: 90.4
• Nose: Caramel and chocolate
• Tasting notes: Caramel, cinnamon sugar, and spice
• Finish: Dry and oaky

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23-Year-Old

• MSRP: $450
• Proof: 95.6
• Nose: Caramel, cream, oak, nuts, and leather
• Palate: Vanilla, maple, honey, citrus, and spice
• Finish:  Dry and lingering with leather and oak

Related: Can’t Score Pappy Van Winkle? This Whiskey Bar Has The Next Best Thing