Nothing has been normal this year, but one thing you can count on is the fall release of Van Winkle Whiskeys.
Yields from the barrels are typically low due to the evaporation during the long aging cycle. While the amount of 10, 12 and 15-year bourbon will be about the same as previous years, the 20 and 23-year-old barrels yielded far fewer bottles this fall. Good news is there is more 13-year rye than in years’ past.
Known for their wheated recipe, Van Winkle bourbons are able to be aged longer than most, in some cases two decades or more.
“Unfortunately even though we suggest what we believe to be a very low and fair MSRP, we cannot control the price retailers charge, and some retailers mark it up even though we and the distributors that those retailers buy from ask them not to,” said Julian Van Winkle, president, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “We are committed to releasing quality whiskey at a reasonable cost and we hope retailers will honor what we suggest as a fair retail price.”
Upon release of the Van Winkle bourbon this fall, Buffalo Trace Distillery reminds fans to be wary of online resellers such as private Facebook groups, Craigslist and other online marketplaces. “Trading and selling bourbon online is an unlicensed and illegal sale. If you are not a licensed retailer selling Van Winkle products, we are prepared to take action to curtail the activity,” says Kris Comstock, senior marketing director at Buffalo Trace Distillery.
“Additionally, if you are a customer trying to buy a bottle at a licensed retailer who has marked it up above MSRP, we encourage you to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or contact your state Attorneys General office.”
The Van Winkle Whiskeys will be available starting in November and will be packed three bottles per case. Suggested retail prices are as follows:
- $69.99 – Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10 Year Old 107 proof
- $79.99 – Old Rip Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12 Year Old
- $119.99 – Old Rip Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
- $119.99 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15 Year Old
- $199.99 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
- $299.99 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23 Year Old
