Food & Drink

Review: Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot “B” Bourbon 12 Years Old

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We’re virtually 20 years now into the so-called “bourbon growth,” and Van Winkle bourbons, bottles largely chargeable for getting us to this frenzied state of obsession, are nonetheless broadly adored and coveted. As we’ve mentioned in latest evaluations, the fabled “Pappy” releases should not at all times life altering pours. Whereas the 15-year has remained a moderately constant favourite of our editorial employees, the 20- and 23-year expressions have bounced between distinctive and simply OK over time. The runt of the litter, Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Years Old, is one other strong providing that’s at all times probably the most reasonably priced (by no means thoughts the exorbitant secondary markups), and continuously probably the most accessible, of the lineup, if we are able to even use that phrase when speaking about these prized whiskeys.

Van Winkle Particular Reserve Lot “B” also needs to fall into the class of “Pappy you may really see on a shelf.” Truly, of late it appears there’s much more of the 12 12 months outdated Lot “B” getting launched every fall than the ten 12 months outdated. So the place does this Winkle match within the household? Like all of its different siblings, it’s made out of the Weller wheated mashbill distilled by Buffalo Hint, however its pre-Hint historical past is far more difficult. This launch really predates the arrival of the Pappy bourbons, as Julian Van Winkle, Pappy’s grandson and bearer of the Pappy flame, launched it within the early Nineties with plans to launch a number of completely different “heaps” of his sourced inventory (not all of which was his father’s Stitzel-Weller juice). Lot “B” appeared to stay with customers, so the title by no means modified, though it’s now pulled from the identical inventory as the opposite Pappys. It’s aged not less than 12 years. On paper, it doesn’t look a lot completely different than Weller 12 Years Old, apart from the very slight improve in proof. Let’s see for ourselves, lets?

The nostril is fairly subdued, even permitting for time within the glass for it to open up. Basic butterscotch and delicate cinnamon spice emerge together with some burly barrel notes: char and tobacco and damp lumber. The Weller 12 12 months, by comparability, is a bit larger and brighter with pronounced citrus and vanilla. Even with the softer nostril, the Lot “B” comes throughout as a bit older, with a deeper and extra seasoned wooden aroma.

On the palate, Lot “B” is exceptionally balanced and frivolously spiced with traditional toffee notes, a dusting of nutmeg, and a few chewy caramel. The end is lengthy however delicate with baking spice and a little bit of darkish cherry. All that stability has come at a worth although. Whereas it’s nonetheless an pleasing, if considerably uneventful bourbon, Weller 12 is extra full-flavored with simply as a lot approachability. And it’s cheaper, even by secondary market requirements. Simply sayin’.

90.4 proof.

B+ / $1100 / oldripvanwinkle.com [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]

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Van Winkle Particular Reserve Lot “B” Bourbon 12 Years Outdated

$1100

Ranking

8.5/10

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