Old Rip Van Winkle 10year

March 31, 2025 · #48
CategoryStraight Bourbon
Country | RegionUnited States, Kentucky
DistilleryBuffalo Trace
Age statement10 year
Alcohol % | Proof53.5% | 107 pf
ReleaseAnnual
Mash billBuffalo Trace Wheated
Cask typeNew American Oak
Price point$130
RegionKentucky
Bottle statusActive
Old Rip Van Winkle 10year bottle reference image

Appearance / Color

Not provided

Nose / Aroma / Smell

Caramel, apples, pepper spice and oak wood

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Caramel, apples, black pepper, dried cranberry, oak, pecan and chocolate

Finish

Long oak and pepper spice. Dried cranberry finish with a long oak and pepper, lingering with an apple sweetness. Finishes with a long and dry pecan oak pepper

Caramel, apples, pepper spice and oak wood Caramel, apples, black pepper, dried cranberry, oak, pecan and chocolate Pappy line up - 10, 12, 13(Rye), 15, 20, 23 The story of Old Rip Van Winkle began in 1893 with Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle Sr., a spirits industry veteran who acquired Weller & Sons Co. and the Stitzel Distillery, merging them to create a legacy in Kentucky bourbon. Today, the Van Winkle name remains synonymous with premium whiskey. This 10-year-old bourbon is ‘almost’ barrel proof, with only minimal water added before bottling at 107 proof. It sits at the base of the Van Winkle lineup but is still highly sought after. All Van Winkle barrels originate from Buffalo Trace’s wheated mash bill, selected by tasters for their aging potential, though few make it past 10 years to become 12, 15, 20, or 23-year expressions. ORVW officially received its 10-year age statement and 107-proof bottling in 1983. A 90-proof version was available until 2011. In 2013, the bottle adopted its distinctive wine-shaped design. Unlike older iterations that may have included Stitzel-Weller bourbon, modern ORVW exclusively comes from Buffalo Trace’s undisclosed wheated mash bill, estimated to contain 10-20% wheat. The 107 proof is a nod to an era when it was considered "barrel proof," a tradition carried on by brands like Old Weller Antique 107, Baker’s, and Pure Kentucky XO. Despite being the youngest in the lineup, Old Rip Van Winkle remains a rare and prized find.

Old Rip Van Winkle 10year

March 31, 2025 · GMWC #48

Old Rip Van Winkle 10year bottle reference image

Bottle Specs

Category
Straight Bourbon
Distillery
Buffalo Trace
Country | Region
United States, Kentucky
Age Statement
10 year
Alcohol / Proof
53.5% / 107 pf
Price Point
$130
Mash Bill
Buffalo Trace Wheated
Cask Type
New American Oak
Release
Annual

Tasting Notes

Appearance

Not provided

Nose

Caramel, apples, pepper spice and oak wood

Palate

Caramel, apples, black pepper, dried cranberry, oak, pecan and chocolate

Finish

Long oak and pepper spice. Dried cranberry finish with a long oak and pepper, lingering with an apple sweetness. Finishes with a long and dry pecan oak pepper

Caramel, apples, pepper spice and oak wood Caramel, apples, black pepper, dried cranberry, oak, pecan and chocolate Pappy line up - 10, 12, 13(Rye), 15, 20, 23 The story of Old Rip Van Winkle began in 1893 with Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle Sr., a spirits industry veteran who acquired Weller & Sons Co. and the Stitzel Distillery, merging them to create a legacy in Kentucky bourbon. Today, the Van Winkle name remains synonymous with premium whiskey. This 10-year-old bourbon is ‘almost’ barrel proof, with only minimal water added before bottling at 107 proof. It sits at the base of the Van Winkle lineup but is still highly sought after. All Van Winkle barrels originate from Buffalo Trace’s wheated mash bill, selected by tasters for their aging potential, though few make it past 10 years to become 12, 15, 20, or 23-year expressions. ORVW officially received its 10-year age statement and 107-proof bottling in 1983. A 90-proof version was available until 2011. In 2013, the bottle adopted its distinctive wine-shaped design. Unlike older iterations that may have included Stitzel-Weller bourbon, modern ORVW exclusively comes from Buffalo Trace’s undisclosed wheated mash bill, estimated to contain 10-20% wheat. The 107 proof is a nod to an era when it was considered "barrel proof," a tradition carried on by brands like Old Weller Antique 107, Baker’s, and Pure Kentucky XO. Despite being the youngest in the lineup, Old Rip Van Winkle remains a rare and prized find.

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