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Everything you need to know about Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
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Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey 2022£949.99 Inc VAT
A brief History
Old Rip Van Winkle, Kentucky Region, USA . Founded in lates 1800s.
Old Rip Van Winkle is one of the most famous and sought-after names in American bourbon. The brand is closely linked to the Van Winkle family, who have been involved in Kentucky bourbon production since the late 1800s.
The story begins with Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr., a legendary figure in bourbon history who worked in the whiskey business for decades. His approach focused on patience and quality, including the use of wheated bourbon recipes, where wheat replaces rye in the grain mixture. This change helps create a softer and smoother whiskey style.
Today the Van Winkle bourbons are produced in partnership with Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Bottles such as Old Rip Van Winkle and the famous Pappy Van Winkle series have become extremely collectible due to their limited release and long ageing.
Because supply is small and demand is very high, these whiskies are often difficult to find and frequently appear in whisky auctions and collector markets.
Taste Profile
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Sweet |
Rich / Chocolatey | Oaky / Woody |
Old Rip Van Winkle bourbon is known for its rich and smooth character. Caramel and vanilla sweetness appear first, followed by deeper notes of honey and toasted oak.
Because the whiskey is made using a wheat-based mash bill rather than rye, the flavour tends to be softer and rounder than many traditional bourbons. With ageing, the whisky develops richer oak, spice, and sometimes dark chocolate notes.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Honey |
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Vanilla |
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Caramel / Toffee |
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Oak / Wood Spice |
Most Popular Bottles
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old
The original expression of the brand, bottled at a higher proof with bold flavour.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old
A softer wheated bourbon with rich caramel and oak notes.
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Series
Highly collectible bourbons aged for 15, 20, or 23 years.
These whiskies are released annually in limited quantities and are among the most sought-after bourbons in the world.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Old Rip Van Winkle at Buffalo Trace Distillery
Address: Buffalo Trace Distillery, 113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky, USA
 Open in maps |
 oldripvanwinkle.com |
 +1 502 696 5926 |
Visitor Centre & Opening Times
Visitors can explore the distillery at Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Typical opening hours
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Daily
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Around 09:00 – 17:00
Tours cover the history of bourbon production and several famous whiskey brands produced at the site.
Ownership History
Founder
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Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr.
Later Generations
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Julian Van Winkle Jr.
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Julian Van Winkle III
Current Ownership
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Van Winkle family (brand owners) in partnership with Buffalo Trace Distillery
The Van Winkle family continues to oversee the brand while production takes place at Buffalo Trace.
Distillery Facts
Overview & History
Old Rip Van Winkle is a premium Kentucky straight bourbon brand produced by the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery Company in partnership with Buffalo Trace Distillery. The brand traces its heritage to Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr., a bourbon merchant who became one of the most influential figures in the American whiskey industry during the early 20th century.
The modern Van Winkle range was revived in the 1990s by Julian Van Winkle III after the closure of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, where earlier Van Winkle bourbons had been produced. Production later moved to Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Old Rip Van Winkle forms part of the broader Van Winkle bourbon collection, which has become one of the most sought-after whiskey series in the world.
Production
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Category: Kentucky Straight Bourbon
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Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
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Mash Bill: Wheated bourbon recipe (corn, wheat, malted barley)
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Distillation: Column still followed by a doubler
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Barrels: New charred American oak
The use of wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain creates a softer, sweeter flavour profile compared with traditional rye-based bourbons.
Whisky Style
Old Rip Van Winkle bourbons typically show:
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Rich caramel and vanilla
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Honey and brown sugar sweetness
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Soft baking spice
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Toasted oak
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Smooth, full-bodied finish
Extended aging contributes deeper oak complexity while maintaining sweetness from the wheated mash bill.
Key Expressions
The Van Winkle range includes several highly regarded bourbons:
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Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old – Core expression bottled at 107 proof
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Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old (Lot B)
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Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year Old
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Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20 Year Old
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Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year Old
The older expressions, particularly the Pappy releases, have become extremely collectible.
Significance
Old Rip Van Winkle is widely regarded as one of the most iconic bourbon brands in the world. Its association with the historic Stitzel-Weller distillery and the Van Winkle family legacy has helped cement its reputation among collectors and enthusiasts.
The brand is also a key example of the wheated bourbon style, which emphasises sweetness and smoothness compared with more spice-forward rye-based bourbons.
Old Rip Van Winkle Whiskey to Buy
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