(Photo: Buffalo Trace Distillery)

The Van Winkle family and Buffalo Trace Distillery have announced the 2026 release of the Van Winkle Whiskey Collection, bringing back six limited-production bourbon and rye whiskeys ranging from 10 to 23 years old.

The collection will be distributed to retailers, bars and restaurants across the United States through Sazerac’s distribution network. Suggested retail prices range from $169.99 for Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon 10-Year-Old to $499.99 for Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23-Year-Old.

The 2026 lineup comprises:

• Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon 10-Year-Old: $169.99
• Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12-Year-Old: $199.99
• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15-Year-Old: $299.99
• Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13-Year-Old: $299.99
• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20-Year-Old: $399.99
• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23-Year-Old: $499.99

The Van Winkle collection is produced in partnership with Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Van Winkle family and Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley select barrels for each expression based on the standards established for the individual whiskeys.

“Every year, we look forward to the opportunity to share these whiskeys with people who have followed our family’s story and appreciate the time and care behind each bottle,” Preston Van Winkle, vice president and fourth-generation member of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, said in a news release. “There are no shortcuts when you’re talking about whiskey that has spent this many years aging.”

The six expressions remain consistent from year to year, but the producers say individual barrels can develop differently during maturation. As a result, the family considers each annual bottling distinct from previous releases.

The youngest whiskey in the 2026 collection is the 10-year-old Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon. Its profile features vanilla, caramel, pecan and seasoned oak, with cherry and wheat on the palate and a long finish marked by fruit, spice and oak tannins, according to the brand.

The 12-year-old Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon is said to offer dried mango, spiced peach and cocoa alongside honey, seasoned oak and tobacco. The finish is described as dry and warm.

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15-Year-Old carries a $299.99 suggested retail price and, according to the brand, combines caramel corn and vanilla with leather, seasoned oak and fruit. The 20-year-old version is priced at $399.99 and is said to feature citrus zest, sherry, dried fruit and vanilla.

At the top of the collection, Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23-Year-Old carries a $499.99 suggested retail price. Its tasting notes includes apple and cherry, caramel, mature oak, tobacco and chocolate, with pronounced wood character and a long caramel-driven finish.

The sixth release, Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13-Year-Old, is also priced at $299.99. The whiskey features chestnut, vanilla and fruit on the nose, followed by cocoa, vanilla, spice and white pepper on the palate.

The Van Winkle family traces its whiskey roots to the late 19th century, when Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr. began working in the Louisville whiskey business. He later became associated with Stitzel-Weller Distillery, which opened in 1935.

The family partnered with Buffalo Trace in 2002. Today, Van Winkle whiskey is crafted and aged at Buffalo Trace under the partnership between the two companies.

“I’ve had the privilege of watching this collection become something that means a great deal not only to our family, but to people around the world,” said Julian P. Van Winkle III, president of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “For me, each bottle is a connection to the generations who came before us and to the patience, pride and traditions they passed down.”

The 2026 Van Winkle collection will be released in limited quantities across the U.S., with availability and retail pricing varying by market.

The Van Winkle family and Buffalo Trace caution consumers to purchase bottles through licensed retailers and other authorized sellers, noting that secondary-market purchases can carry increased risks of counterfeit products and fraud.

(Photo: Unicorn Auctions)

A rare bottle of Van Winkle Bourbon has sold for $80,600 at a recent auction hosted by Unicorn Auctions, marking one of the most significant American whiskey sales in recent years.

The headline lot, Van Winkle 18 Year Special Reserve Bourbon ‘Binny’s’ Private Barrel Selection (2003), originally sold for just $113 in 2003. The bottle’s final price evidences the continued surge in demand for ultra-rare, pre-boom-era American whiskey.

The bourbon was distilled in 1985 at the now-closed Stitzel-Weller Distillery and bottled in 2003 as a private selection for Binny’s Beverage Depot, a liquor retail chain based in Illinois. Aged 18 years and bottled at barrel proof, the whiskey is notable for its 121.6 proof — making it one of the highest-proof official Van Winkle releases ever.

Released before the modern bourbon boom, most bottles of Binny’s 18 were opened and consumed rather than saved, leaving only a small number believed to remain today. Estimates suggest a total yield of around 80-100 bottles.

The release is often compared to other historic high-proof expressions, including the 1969 Very Very Old Fitzgerald Blackhawk 18 Year, due to its similar age and proof profile.

Other Rare Van Winkle Bottles Draw Strong Bids

The auction also featured several other notable Van Winkle-related bottles tied to Chicago’s bourbon scene.

A “Twisted Spoke” 16-year private barrel selection — originally chosen for the now-closed Twisted Spoke bar — sold for more than $18,400.

Another highlight included a rare bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year, one of only a handful known examples from a unique private bottling, which fetched more than $12,000.

The latest results from Unicorn Auctions reinforce how far the market has evolved, with bottles once purchased for just over $100 now commanding prices typically reserved for fine art or luxury collectibles.

(Photo: Sotheby’s)

A rare bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle bourbon sold for $162,500 on Friday night at Sotheby’s New York, setting a new record for the most valuable bottle of American whiskey ever sold at auction.

The sale anchored The Great American Whiskey Collection, a single-owner auction that brought in $2.5 million total, making it the most valuable American whiskey collection ever sold and the largest single-owner spirits auction held in New York. The final total more than doubled Sotheby’s low pre-sale estimate of $1.17 million.

The top lot was Old Rip Van Winkle 20 Year Old Single Barrel “Sam’s” from 1982. The bottle had not appeared at auction in more than a decade. It sold well above its $70,000-$100,000 estimate after competitive bidding in the room, online and by phone.

The “Sam’s” release is notable for both its scarcity and high ABV. Only 60 hand-numbered bottles were produced, and it was bottled at 133.4 proof, the highest-proof Van Winkle release on record. The result set a new benchmark for American whiskey at auction.

The auction took place at Sotheby’s new global headquarters in the Breuer Building on Madison Avenue and marked the first live, single-owner American whiskey sale in the company’s history. The collection included 360 bottles, spanning bourbon and rye releases from producers such as Old Rip Van Winkle, Old Fitzgerald and Red Hook Rye.

All lots sold. Nearly 90% exceeded their high estimates. According to Sotheby’s, 96% of buyers were based in North America, reflecting the largely domestic demand for American whiskey. About one-third of bidders were new to the auction house, and more than half were age 40 or younger.

“This sale represents a defining moment for American whiskey at auction, underscoring the legendary status of the Van Winkle name and the extraordinary significance of the ‘Sam’s’ Old Rip Van Winkle,” Sotheby’s whiskey specialist Zev Glesta said in a news release. “The result reflects the continued maturation of the global market for the rarest American whiskeys and a growing appreciation for the craftsmanship, heritage, and rarity that define the very best of American distilling. A bottle of this calibre is not just a collector’s item but a piece of American whiskey history.”

Beyond the record-setting Van Winkle, the auction featured private-label bottlings, exclusive single barrels and historic releases that rarely surface on the open market. Several appeared at auction for the first time and set new records.

Van Winkle 18 Year Old “Binny’s” from 1985 sold for $106,250. Distilled at Stitzel-Weller and bottled at 121.6 proof, fewer than 100 bottles were produced for the Chicago retailer. A Very Very Old Fitzgerald “Blackhawk” 18 Year Old from 1950 sold for $112,500, more than double its low estimate. The private bottling was made exclusively for the Wirtz family and was never sold publicly.

Other notable results included a Van Winkle 18 Year Old Family Reserve bottled for Park Avenue Liquor Shop, which sold for $62,500, and an O.F.C. Bourbon Whiskey 1909 quart bottle that reached $47,500 after bidding from four collectors.

Multiple additional Van Winkle releases, historic rye whiskeys and early bottled-in-bond bourbons exceeded expectations, underscoring continued demand for rare American whiskey despite broader market volatility.

While the prices reached headline levels, the auction also highlighted a shift in who is buying. With younger collectors entering the market and private bottles commanding renewed attention, the results point to a sustained interest in American whiskey as both a collectible and a piece of distilling history.

The 2024 Van Winkle Collection launched with a 20 and 23-year-old bourbon. (Photo: Van Winkle/Buffalo Trace)

Buffalo Trace and Van Winkle announced that the Van Winkle Whiskey Collection was coming back, and this year, it featured two expressions at 20 and 23 years old. Van Winkle’s 13-year-old rye whiskey marks the other distinctive whiskey in the collection with its “subtle spice.”

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

Though these whiskeys possess suggested retail prices within the $100-$500 range, it’s a guarantee they will fetch significantly higher prices on the secondary market, and a general guide can be accessed here.

Buffalo Trace and the Van Winkle family have no control over the prices on the secondary market, and they say they suggest researching lotteries at local retailers to purchase these bottles at MSRP.

“Ultimately, the only legal and reputable source consumers should be buying from is a licensed retailer,” ORVW President Julian P. Van Winkle III said.

The Van Winkles warned buyers to be observant, keep an eye out for any red flags of potential whiskey scams and avoid retailers like eBay.

Yet, due to Pappy’s rampant demand, buyers should even vet reputable auction houses. In February 2018 and February 2019, a man purchased empty Pappy Van Winkle Bottles and filled them with a “foreign substance” only to sell them through auction houses in the United Kingdom. The man was fined $36,268.75 in restitution fees in May 2023.

Both brands share that because of the extended aging process for these whiskeys, there is a major amount of evaporation which leads to limited supply.

The Pappy Van Winkle 2024 Collection

Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10-Year-Old

Clocking in at 107 proof, Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace shared that this whiskey has a richly spiced nose with licorice and dark cherries. The palate has tobacco, sweet fruit and leads to a finish with black cherries and tobacco. It has an MSRP of $129.99.

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

With an MSRP of $149.99 and a proof of 90.4, this bourbon is full of honeyed sweetness with oak and a touch of tobacco. It has a dry and pleasant finish.

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

Clocking in at 95.6 proof and having a suggested retail price of $199.99, this rye whiskey is chocolatey and spicy with a pleasant oak throughline. Loads of roasted caramel make this one balanced rye whiskey.

Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Bourbon 15-Year-Old

With caramel corn and vanilla on the nose and a sweet palate chock full of leather and dark fruit, Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15-Year-Old clocks in at 107 proof. This whiskey is priced at $199.99.

Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Bourbon 20-Year-Old

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20-Year-Old is the perfect winter whiskey, and it is chock full of warm spice coupled with chocolate and caramel. Plenty of cinnamon sugar and a dry, oaked finish adds depth to this 90.4-proof whiskey. It hosts a suggested retail price of $319.99.

Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Bourbon 23-Year-Old

With cream, nuts and leather on the nose, coupled with a palate full of vanilla, maple and honey this whiskey finishes with leather and oak. Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Bourbon clocks in at 95.6 proof and has an MSRP of $449.99.

(AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

Bourbon bandits, begone!

On Monday, the state of Kentucky joined forces with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to auction off a lot of confiscated spirits. The sale is made possible thanks to a law signed by Gov. Andy Beshear in April that gave the ABC power to auction alcohol obtained in closed criminal investigations.

Bottles listed on the Team Kentucky website are a veritable treasure trove of rare delights. Picks include two 10-year Old Rip Van Winkles, a Willet Family Estate Single Barrel Rye, an Old Fitzgerald Counties of Ireland and a Maker’s Mark Breeder’s Cup signed by jockey Mike Smith. In addition to bottles from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, you’ll also find four offerings of Blanton’s, one of which is a Single Barrel Gold boxed with Japanese markings.

Many of these whiskeys regularly sell for over $1,000.

Amid the rare bourbons is a “Stock Your Bar” bundle that includes Jack Daniel’s Tennesse Fire Whiskey, Jim Beam Vanilla, Cruzan Coconut Rum and Purple Toad Wine. Some of these appear to have been confiscated well over a decade ago. Our eye caught on a product called p.i.n.k. Vodka, a caffeine- and guarana-infused spirit that was discontinued in the early 2010s. Maybe stay away from that one unless you’re hankering for the Four Lokos of yore.

The auction is scheduled to open on Nov. 27 before closing at midnight on Dec. 11. Proceeds will benefit responsibility programs including Project Prom and Project Graduation. If you’re thinking about securing a pick, keep in mind that all bottles must be picked up in person at the ABC facility in Frankfort, Kentucky.

“We are proud to help finance educational programs that promote responsible alcohol use by adults and awareness programs for youth, including Project Prom and Project Graduation,” ABC Commissioner Allyson Taylor told WSAZ3 News. “We look forward to seeing the response to this auction and have started planning additional auctions for 2025.”

Find the full auction listing at the Team Kentucky website here.

(Photo: UNICORN)

In mid-October, an $86,000 bottle of Van Winkle 18-Year-Old reportedly broke Unicorn‘s record for “most expensive bourbon ever auctioned.” After tagging on a 15% buyer’s premium and 10.25% tax, the final price for the whiskey came out at an astounding $107,715.

But why pay six figures for a single bottle?

Beyond the usual Pappy Van Winkle hype, this expression boasted a few selling points under the hood that skyrocketed its desirability among collectors. The unfiltered, barrel-proof bourbon was distilled at Stizel-Weller on June 10, 1985. The distillery, decommissioned in 1992, was founded by the eponymous Julian Van Winkle Sr. and produced the earliest iterations of the brand’s coveted products.

The 18-year-old bourbon was selected by Chicago area retailer Binny’s Beverage Depot in 2003, leading to the bottle’s unofficial moniker among enthusiasts, “Binny’s 18.”

It was a very different time for bourbon. The market was still years away from the speculative boom that birthed so-called unicorn bottles. In hindsight, it’s hard to believe that Binny’s 18 originally retailed for $119.99; these days, a standard bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year — the brand’s cheapest product— goes for $1,000 or more.

“When this was bottled, the majority of enthusiasts were not saving bottles like this for ‘speculative investment’ or ‘long term gains’ like they do with rare bottles being released today. It was bourbon, meant to be enjoyed. And most were!,” Unicorn wrote in a product description.

Binny’s 18 was bottled at 60.8% ABV, purportedly the second-highest that Van Winkle has ever released. Another distinction comes by way of the bottle itself. Unlike most releases from the era, Binny’s 18 was not individually numbered. Unicorn speculates that the total yield of the batch was between 80 to 100 bottles, though the exact figure is unknown.

“We’re excited to set a new standard with the sale of this legendary bottle,” Phil Mikhaylov, CEO of Unicorn Auctions, told The Spirits Business. “This record-breaking moment not only showcases the passion collectors have for the rarest finds but also reinforces Unicorn as the ultimate destination for discovering and trading the world’s most coveted spirits. This is just the beginning of what’s to come both across the US and internationally.”

Unicorn describes itself as “Chicago’s first year-round online rare spirits auction house.” Founded by restaurant industry veterans AJ Heindel and Cody Modeer, the platform has reportedly generated over four million bids and $85 million in sales since its inception.

Though bourbon may be the darling of the American whiskey world, it seems like producers everywhere are hopping on the “other whiskeys” bandwagon. Rye whiskeys must be made from a mashbill that’s at least 51% rye.

Part of rye whiskey’s appeal is the balance of complexity and spice, coupled with the fact these spirits can often be enjoyed at younger ages than bourbon due to how rye’s maturation process works. The reason for this is that higher percentages of rye grains in a spirit’s mashbill demand less time in barrel to develop tannin and complexity than corn.

In an increasingly oversaturated market, Whiskey Raiders spirits critic Jay West is here to share his favorite ryes ever. Of the thousands of spirits West has tasted during the tenure of his career, these are the 10 best rye whiskeys he has tasted — in no particular order.

10 Best Rye Whiskeys Spirits Critic Jay West Has Ever Tasted

Booker’s Rye

(Photo: Beam Suntory)

Read Our Review

This limited-edition rye was distilled by the late Booker Noe in 2003. Booker Noe died just one year later, and his son, Fred Noe, nurtured the spirit throughout the rest of the maturation process. The highly celebrated release from Beam clocks in over 130 proof, but you’d never know it.

Booker’s Rye is on the sweeter end of the rye spectrum. West describes the nose as possessing aromas of spicy clove, maple and some faint banana bread. On the palate, the rye is sweet and thick with aromas of fruity cream.

Due to its limited production size and the hefty demand for bottles of the stuff, Booker’s Rye costs a pretty penny. Yet, despite the shocker of a price tag, West doesn’t mince words when describing its general deliciousness.

“This is a fantastic rye. I’ll be straight, I like it a lot,” West wrote in his review. “I’d drink it all the time if I could.”

Four Gate Split Stave by Kelvin Release 10

Read Our Review

If you’re the type who likes to drink their dessert, the Four Gate Split Stave by Kelvin Release 10 may be the perfect rye whiskey for you.

The Four Gate Split Stave by Kelvin Release 10 was aged for seven years in specialized casks that were broken down and then rebuilt by Kelvin with alternating toasted and charred staves. The folks over at Four Gate claim this specific technique adds marshmallow and créme brûlée overtones.

West concurs and cites aromas of rich and creamy nougat on the nose. The palate also tilts heavily towards the dessert end of the spectrum with some orchard fruit tones like pear in conjunction with plenty of baking spices. But don’t let all that sweetness fool you: This rye is no slouch in terms of complexity. The rich and lengthy finish hosts plenty of burnt sugar and toffee aromas.

Four Gate Split Stave has an ABV of 56.25% and is equal parts decadent and complex.

Barrell Craft Spirits Seagrass

Read Our Review

Barrell Craft Spirits Seagrass is proof that there’s beauty in the madness. This bold blend of Canadian and Indiana rye whiskeys was finished in a mixture of Martinique Agricole rhum, Madeira and apricot brandy casks. This is a quirky combination, without a doubt, and the resulting rye is crazy — but in a good way.

West has no shortage of praise for the Barrell Craft Spirits Seagrass and gives this rye from the Louisville-based bottler a house score of 9, which is nothing to sneeze at. He describes Barrell Craft Spirits Seagrass as “all-star material.”

Bottled at 59.2% ABV, Barrell Seagrass has a powerful and fragrant nose with plenty of grassy citrus qualities interlaced with brown sugar. The palate is big and boisterous, with all the spice rye enthusiasts love. Seagrass has a long finish that really shines with what West describes as “admirable spiciness.” Picture loads of tree fruit aromas, coupled with brown sugar, grassy funk and some pepper at the end.

Van Winkle Family Reserve 13 Year Rye 2015

Read Our Review

Most whiskey fans will find it unsurprising that an offering from the Van Winkle made the list.

This 13-year-old rye whiskey is an older release from Buffalo Trace and the Van Winkles, and though it bears a 13-year-old age statement, it’s thought that the liquid may be a bit older. Buffalo Trace is the sole supplier of rye for this line, making it a rare find and one of the older American ryes around.

Bottled at 95.6 proof, the Van Winkle Family Reserve 13 Year has loads of rye’s signature spice in its aroma profile, with wisps of old tobacco smoke and toffee. The palate is thick and rich, with syrupy qualities and loads of cocoa. The Van Winkle Family Reserve 13 Year Rye has a creamy finish with an herbal throughline.

“If there is a single Van Winkle that lives up to any sort of the pedestal they are put on, I think it’s this one,” West wrote in his review.

Buffalo Trace Antique Collection: Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye 2020

Read Our Review

The Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named after the New Orleans bartender who first used rye whiskey in the Sazerac cocktail, according to Buffalo Trace. This rye is both a symbol of New Orleans and Handy’s legacy.

The barrels were filled at 125 proof in 2014, but after five years of aging, the whiskey crept up to 129 proof. A blend of Minnesota rye, Kentucky corn and North Dakota malted barley, the 2020 Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was aged in new White Oak barrels. The yearly releases of the Thomas H. Handy offerings are pretty heavily hyped, and 2020’s is one hypebeast rye that definitely lives up to all the attention. So much so, in fact, that West describes it as “The best Thomas Handy rye I’ve had in a long time” and even dropped an “Oh shit” reaction while tasting its complex palate.

This powerful, full-throttle bottle has loads of waffle cone, gingerbread, toffee and créme brûlée flavors on the palate. The nose offers plenty of dessert characteristics, with a bit of gingery complexity. With a long finish described as “a perfect Kentucky hug,” the 2020 Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye definitely makes the cut and received a 9 on Whiskey Raiders.

Barrell Craft Spirits 20 Year Gold Label Seagrass

Read Our Review

With a $500 price tag, the Barrell Craft Spirits 20 Year Gold Label Seagrass was created with a specific drinker in mind.

This 20-year rye was meant to be an upgrade of the Gray Label Seagrass (which is an upgraded version of the basic Seagrass), which we will discuss in greater detail a bit later. Bottled at cask strength and aged in the same blend of Martinique rhum, apricot brandy and Madeira barrels, the 20 Year Gold Label has an ABV of 64.06%.

West describes this aged rye as “rich and syrupy on the nose” with aromas of DOLE fruit cocktail syrup, cream and apricots aplenty. The palate is rich and will definitely appeal to fans who love oak, as it has a strong presence in the Gold Label.

With a finish that “nearly lasts forever,” the Barrell Craft Spirits 20 Year Gold Label Seagrass has earned the title of “a damn good rye in a family of damn good ryes,” West wrote in his review.

Buffalo Trace Antique Collection: Sazerac 18 Year Rye 2015

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The Buffalo Trace Sazerac 18 Year Rye was distilled during the spring of 1985 and tanked slightly before 2015.

This rare bottling is the final batch of Buffalo Trace’s tanked rye, and the liquid was sourced from 25 barrels matured in Warehouse K, which is reserved for the distillery’s best whiskeys and was built in 1935, according to Whisky Magazine.

West describes the 2015 offering from Buffalo Trace as, “really something” and noted that he was “sad to expect this bottle to change in future years.”

With a buttery sweet nose and plenty of complexity, the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Sazerac 18 Year Rye 2015 comes in at 45% ABV. The palate is incredibly bold and powerful, with more oak and spice over fruit, and a long decadent finish with beautifully integrated aromas of clove and oak.

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 10 Year Limited Edition Gift Shop Rye

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For those who love big, bold and herbaceous ryes, the hard-to-find Smooth Ambler Old Scout 10 Year Limited Edition Gift Shop Rye may just be worth the hunt.

Clocking in at a 62.2% ABV with 10 years of aging, this offering from Smooth Ambler is chock full of spicy aromas on the nose, and you can tell it’s going to be an enormous whiskey at first whiff. The spirit hosts an impressive 119.6 proof, and West describes aromas of molasses, brown sugar and clove.

Though there’s very little dill on the nose of the Old Scout 10 Year, the palate gives way to massively rich, herbaceous, syrupy goodness peppered with plenty of dill throughout. The finish is long and thoroughly spiced with an herbal throughline.

WhistlePig Boss Hog IX Siren’s Song

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The WhistlePig Boss Hog IX Siren’s Song is one of the most interesting rye whiskeys West has come across. He describes it as the most “bonkers spirit” to hit his desk due to its unorthodox finishing process.

The Vermont-based distillery finished Siren’s Song in a combination of homemade fig nectar and Tentura casks. Tentura is a Greek liqueur that has been around since the 15th Century, according to Taste Atlas. The liqueur is a brandy or rum infused with different spices, and it definitely influences this interesting expression of rye.

The nose has plenty of anise and balsamic notes, with a saline quality that conjures up images of distant ocean shores. The palate packs a spicy whallop, with loads of earthy and savory qualities. This “wildly succulent” expression of rye continues with some more brine, plum and currant.

West describes the finish as “absolutely wild” with a sweet yet savory backbone, coupled with a salty, fatty richness. West is the first to admit WhistlePig’s Boss Hog IX Siren’s Song is not for everyone, but it is guaranteed to seduce the right crowd.

Barrell Craft Spirits Seagrass Gray Label

Read Our Review

“It’s been about 1,700 reviews since a whiskey has broached this point with me, but here we are,” West raved in his review of Barrell Craft Spirits Seagrass Gray Label. “There’s nothing I’d change about Barrell Seagrass 16 yr, and as a result, I’m doling out the big 10/10.”

The rye whiskeys in this blend were distilled in Canada and finished in the U.S. in Martinique rhum, Madeira wine and apricot brandy casks before being blended by Barrell Craft Spirits. Consider this blended rye Seagrass’ dapper older brother in the lineup, due to its elevated 16-year age statement.

The liquid was bottled at cask strength and holds a whopper of an ABV at 65.41%.

With a nose of candied apples, pear and pecan, West describes this nose as “captivating” and surprising given the high alcohol percentage of the spirit. The palate is rich, fruity and bold, with well-integrated tannins and fruit qualities from the rhum casks. The finish is long, powerful and has just the right amount of heat.

Simply put, Barrell Craft Spirits Seagrass Gray Label is “nothing short of perfection.”

Join the Whiskey Raiders Bottle of the Month Club, where you will receive hard-to-find bottles curated by Whiskey Raiders staff with a 90+ rating on whiskeyraiders.com plus live virtual tastings. Sign up here!

Fans watch during the second half of Game 1 of basketball’s NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat on Thursday in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

NBA Finals tickets aren’t cheap, and neither is rare bourbon, so why not trade one for the other? A Denver Nuggets fan, whose favorite team currently holds a 1-0 lead over the Miami Heat in the 2023 NBA Finals, did exactly that, swapping a bottle of 10-year Old Rip Van Winkle bourbon for a ticket to Game 1 in Denver.

According to 9News, Evan Klumpp initially put the offer on Facebook as a joke but started taking the idea seriously once someone wanted to take him up on the deal.

“When it comes to a Finals ticket it seems like it was a pretty even trade,” Klumpp told 9News.

Evan Klumpp of Denver traded a bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle for a ticket to the NBA Finals.

Klumpp went to the game solo and ended up in Section 2, a club-level seat.

“I’ll be with people he knew, I haven’t met but still with the energy and anticipation for this game it will be an awesome night,” Klumpp told 9News ahead of the game. “I would say it was definitely worth it. I can always buy that bottle back.”

The Nuggets ended up winning the game Thursday night in dominant fashion, leading the Heat by double digits for most of the game en route to a 104-93 victory.

Van Winkle bourbon bottlings are extremely rare and often go on to sell for exorbitant prices. In December, a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old bourbon was bought for more than $52,000 at an auction.

Klumpp’s Old Rip bottling is on the lower end of the Van Winkle spectrum but is still valuable. While Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year has a suggested retail price of only $69.99, so few bottles are put out that those that are bought for that low price are often resold for much higher prices. According to Wine-Searcher, the average price you’ll find a bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle for in the U.S. is $1,164.

A California man recently was ordered to pay $36,268.75 in restitution fees after being accused of purchasing empty Pappy Van Winkle bottles, filling them with “a foreign substance,” sealing them and reselling them overseas.

Join the Whiskey Raiders Bottle of the Month Club, where you will receive hard-to-find bottles curated by Whiskey Raiders staff with a 90+ rating on whiskeyraiders.com plus live virtual tastings. Sign up here!

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek speaks at the State Library of Oregon in Salem on Jan. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Claire Rush)

On Wednesday, The Associated Press reported that the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission concluded an internal investigation. The investigation found that Executive Director Steve Marks and five other agency officials had “diverted” rare bourbons for their “personal use.” Among the bourbons in question was the highly sought-after Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old.

The investigation found that the officials were paying for the whiskey but used their “knowledge and connections” to obtain them. These whiskeys are typically extremely hard to find without spending thousands of dollars. This practice violated Oregon statutes, such as one that prohibits public officials from using confidential information for personal gain, according to The Associated Press.

“This behavior is wholly unacceptable,” Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said Wednesday in a letter to the agency’s board of commissioners. “I will not tolerate wrongful violations of our government ethics laws.”

In her letter, Kotek asked the board to remove the implicated officials, who she said “abused their position for personal gain.”

When questioned, Marks denied that he had violated Oregon ethics laws and state policy. He did, however, admit to receiving preferential treatment “to some extent” in obtaining the whiskey due to his employment with the commission.

“This incident underlines the importance of having public accountability,” agency spokesperson Mark Pettinger said, per The Associated Press. “The OLCC will need to work on rebuilding and restoring our public trust … and adhere to Oregon’s ethics laws.”

Kotek asked Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum to “conduct an independent civil investigation into the extent of any wrongdoing and recommend stronger protocols for ensuring ethics laws are followed,” according to The Associated Press.

See what the experts think: Check out the top critic reviews of Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old

Rare bourbons, especially Van Winkles, are incredibly valuable. A bottle of Pappy 23 only retails for about $300. However, it is highly unusual to find rare bottles such as that one at retail price. These allocated bottles are snatched up by buyers as soon as they hit shelves and resell for exorbitant amounts of money.

In December, a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old sold for $52,500 at auction. Two other Pappy 23 bottles sold for $47,500 at the same auction and a fourth for $40,000.

Marks and the other officials maintain they never resold the whiskeys they obtained.

Here at The Daily Pour, we do more than write about current events in spirit. We are the only media property reviewing spirits and aggregating the scores and reviews of other significant voices in the spirit world in one place. If you’re interested in getting a shot of spirit in your morning email, sign up for our Whiskey Deal of the Day Newsletter

Buffalo Trace has announced the 2022 Van Winkle release. (Photo: Buffalo Trace)

On Tuesday, Buffalo Trace Distillery announced the 2022 annual release of all six Van Winkle whiskey expressions.

“To the delight of whiskey fans, there will be more bottles available this year than usual of almost every Van Winkle expression due to both putting away more whiskey to age over 10 years ago and a higher yield than typical when moving from barrel to bottle,” Buffalo Trace said in a news release.

The Van Winkle Whiskeys will be available starting in October on a limited basis. Buffalo Trace warns that bottles will be hard to find in stores, bars and restaurants.

The annual Van Winkle Collection release comprises six whiskeys, all of which sell out quickly every year and go on to sell for exorbitant prices on the secondary market.

“Although we would prefer for retailers to charge our suggested retail pricing, unfortunately we cannot legally force them to do so,” Julian Van Winkle III, president, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, said in a news release. “The best chance to find our products at a fair price is through lotteries offered by many retailers, where fans have a chance to buy our bourbon at MSRP. Many of these lotteries benefit charities, so it’s a win-win for everyone.”

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the partnership between the Van Winkle family and Buffalo Trace.

“Harlen Wheatley and his predecessors had been distilling the W.L. Weller wheated recipe for many years before our 2002 joint venture. We trusted their expertise in distilling and aging, and it paid off, as many of Buffalo Trace’s brands are just as sought after as our own,” Van Winkle III said. “My son Preston and I still take care of the marketing and management of our brands, but we leave the rest of it to the team at Buffalo Trace. The twenty-year partnership has flown by, and I feel confident we’re leaving it in good hands for the future Van Winkle generations.”

Buffalo Trace reminds bourbon hunters to avoid acquiring Van Winkle or other bourbons from shady resellers such as those advertising in Facebook groups or on websites like Craigslist. Many of these resellers are scammers.

“It’s quite common in other countries for consumers to buy alcohol from those outside the system (not a licensed retailer) and for them to drink it and get sick, and in some cases, it’s fatal,” said Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Fortunately, we haven’t seen a lot of deaths in the United States from those scenarios – yet – and we certainly hope we do not. But we caution people to only buy from a licensed retailer; do not buy from a private seller, even if it’s someone you know, as you don’t know where they got the whiskey. The counterfeiters have gotten very sophisticated with their technology, so it pays to be safe.”

In November, a man reselling a bottle of 12-year-old Van Winkle bourbon was arrested by an undercover agent.

The 2022 Van Winkle Lineup Details and Tasting Notes Via Buffalo Trace

Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10-Year-Old

Suggested Retail Price: $69.99
Proof: 107
Color: Tawny in color.
Nose: Very sweet, with notes of honey, dulce de leche, caramel corn, rooibos tea and lightly toasted nuts. Hints of the wheat and corn are present which enhances the complexity.
Taste: Butterscotch and toffee are prominent in the taste but there are also hints of spiced praline which contribute to the long, round finish that is sweet without being cloying.
Finish: An outrageously well-crafted bourbon that pays homage to its source ingredients but shows that oak, the right distillate, and patience can create unparalleled depth and balance.

Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12-Year-Old

Suggested Retail Price: $79.99
Proof: 90.4
Color: Brilliant amber.
Nose: Rich and decadent with butterscotch, toffee, vanilla and hints of nectarine and satsuma adding to the complexity. There is still a wisp of bready wheat present which is perfectly balanced with the spicy and rich oak notes.
Taste: Butterscotch and toffee are prominent in the taste but there are also hints of spiced praline which contribute to the long, round finish that is sweet without being cloying.
Finish: An outrageously well-crafted bourbon that pays homage to its source ingredients but shows that oak, the right distillate, and patience can create unparalleled depth and balance.

Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13-Year-Old

Suggested Retail Price: $119.99
Proof: 95.6
Color: Rich copper color.
Nose:  An incredibly enticing and complex aroma with notes of toasted pumpernickel, plum, fig, and sweet-tobacco aromas.
Taste: Smooth with medium-to full-bodied palate bursting with bold and delicious flavors of toffee, caraway, and dried cherry, and a hint of leather and mint.
Finish: A symphony of flavors sits endlessly on the palate, causing the unsuspecting drinker to wish there was an endless supply in their glass.

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

Suggested Retail Price: $119.99
Proof: 107
Color: Striking, brilliant, copper color.
Nose:  The aroma is seductive with intense sweet brown notes like maple, caramelized sugar, toffee, and toasted almond.
Taste: Waves of caramel and toffee meld into familiar memories of fresh-baked holiday spice cookies made with molasses. The mouthfeel is rich, supple, full-bodied and briefly veers toward decadent before the wood influences lend a balancing dryness.
Finish: Long, flavorful, and complex. An unbelievably opulent and flawless bourbon that takes wood and distillate to its absolute pinnacle.

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

Suggested Retail Price: $199.99
Proof: 90.4
Color: Dark amber in appearance with ruby highlights.
Nose:  This full-bodied bourbon has a sophisticated forefront of leather with complementary notes of smoke, warm tobacco, treacle, espresso, and charred oak.
Taste: The aromas and flavors are endlessly complex and each new sip reveals something new to discover.
Finish: Suave and confident with layers of bold, integrated nuances.

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

Suggested Retail Price: $299.99
Proof: 95.6
Color: Rich mahogany color.
Nose:  Reminiscent of a crisp fall day, with aromas of ripe red apples, cherries and tobacco.
Taste: Wood is the star here with supporting notes of caramel, apple, apricot, leather, walnuts, and vanilla Crème Brulé.
Finish: Long-lasting and rich, opening with bold flavors of oak and caramel that tease the palate before fading slowly and elegantly until the next sip.

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Here at The Daily Pour, we do more than write about current events in spirit. We are the only media property reviewing spirits and aggregating the scores and reviews of other significant voices in the spirit world in one place. If you’re interested in getting a shot of spirit in your morning email, sign up for our Whiskey Deal of the Day Newsletter