Buffalo Trace Unveils 2024 Van Winkle Collection

Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and Buffalo Trace Distillery have announced the return of the Van Winkle Whiskey Collection.

Known for its wheated recipe, the Van Winkle Collection includes six whiskeys. The wheated recipe, favored by Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, results in a softer, smoother taste profile that has helped the bourbon become among the world’s most well known. Complimenting the bourbons, the collection’s 13-year-old rye whiskey offers a more subtle spice due to its lower rye content, the distillery says.

Notably, this year’s release includes a surplus of 20-Year-Old and 23-Year-Old Family Reserve bourbons, the company says.

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

The Van Winkle Collection vintages are on shelves now in stores, bars and restaurants across the U.S. at varying retail prices. Due to the extended aging process, which results in significant evaporation and lower barrel yields, supply is limited. The suggested retail prices for the limited-edition Van Winkle collection bottles are as follows:

• Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10-Year-Old — $129.99

At 107 proof, the nose of this 10-year-old bourbon reveals oak spice layered with hints of licorice and dark cherry, the distiller reports. On the palate are flavors of oak, tobacco and sweet fruit. The finish of this Old Rip Van Winkle has notes of dark cherry and soft tobacco.

• Old Rip Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12-Year-Old — $149.99

Stone fruit and chocolate dominate the aroma of this 90.4 proof bourbon, the distillery reports, before honeyed sweetness on the palate, with gentle oak and tobacco.

• Old Rip Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13-Year-Old — $199.99

Roasted nuts, oaky vanilla and ripe fruit highlight the aroma of the 95.6 proof rye in the Van Winkle family, the company says. On the palate, chocolate and spice mix with caramel and a touch of oak dryness. The complex finish has baking spices and roasted caramel.

• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15-Year-Old — $199.99

Caramel corn and vanilla are on the nose of this 107 proof whiskey, before the palate’s notes of leather, oak and dark fruit add depth. The finish has hints of spice and oaky tannins.

• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20-Year-Old — $319.99

Warm holiday spices blend with caramel sweetness and notes of chocolate on the nose of this 20-year-old, 90.4 proof vintage, the distillery says. The palate delivers a mix of caramel, cinnamon sugar and subtle spice, before a finish that’s slightly dry and oaky.

• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23-Year-Old — $449.99

The nose of Pappy’s 23-Year-Old Bourbon presents toasty caramel, soft cream and notes of oak, nuts and leather. On the palate of the 95.6 proof expression, vanilla, maple, and honey meet citrus and gentle spice. The finish has leather and oak.

The Van Winkle family reminds 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.

“Ultimately, the only legal and reputable source consumers should be buying from is a licensed retailer,” says ORVW president Julian P. Van Winkle III. “This is the safest, foolproof way to ensure your bottle is not counterfeit.”

Whiskey fans increase their risks of purchasing phony bottles by purchasing from secondary markets and online sellers including Craigslist, eBay and social media groups. Many alcohol scams take place overseas, and while rare in the U.S., in some cases, consuming alcohol from outside the system can lead to bodily harm and even casualties.

Whiskey buyers who believe they have been scammed should not drink out of their bottle. They should also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, contact their State Attorney General’s office, and contact their credit card company about its fraud protection policies.