I had the good fortune to have a booth next to the Van Winkle Family at the 2004 SF World Spirits Competition. I worked for Shaker’s Vodka (double gold for our rye vodka) and ended up with a handful of 1/2 full Pappy’s bottles to take home. Product was great, and the family was the highlight. Wonderful people. Glad to see that one of us made it! Shakers filed for bankruptcy in Feb of 2012.
Kudos to y’all for drinking it and not flipping it or putting it on a shelf like a useless trophy’! I’ve tasted a few pappys at bars and was never overly impressed with any of them... fir the price. But I could say the same for many insanely priced wines as well. Cheers!
We literally just shot our pappy 23 video on Monday!!! Love to hear another review after just having had ours so recently! Cheers on a great bottle! Congratulations on your first owned pappy!! It's a fun feeling!
Congradulations on scoreing a 23 year old Pappy. I was able to score a 10 year Old Rip this year. This weekend during my sons 21st birthday party half of the 10 year Old Rip got used in making Smoky Old Fashions by my brother in law on known to me. I will remember that Smokey Old Fashion for ever:( :)
I just want to comment on what Sara said about the wisdom of Freddy J. and his father, it did change my mind about opening bottles and it ABSOLUTELY got me over my FOMO when purchasing bottles. “They will always make more great bourbon.” Cheers IBN crew! The excitement the from both of you have made this a grate episode. How relaxed you are in front of the camera is just inviting, (compared to the beginning of this channel) keep up the great work!
I had a bottle of Pappy with a few co-workers in the "backroom" at Fletcher's in Park City, Utah. Best night of my life. It has the best taste teamed with a butter garlic seared tomahawk steak.
My friend, mentor and officiate of my wedding brought a bottle of 23 for my wedding; he shared it with me and a few close friends. It was a beautiful day...
It’s not as good as the 15. Over oaked with being 23 years in the barrel. There is a sweet spot and usually 9 to 15 yrs is the perfect time for most bourbons. 23 has lost many a blind tasting to bottles 1/10 the price.
I had three glasses of the Pappy 20 year in Rockport, TX at a place called 495 Chesapeake eats a couple of weeks ago. The owner was nice enough to let me take the bottle home after we finished it. It was amazing and words cant describe. But, I will say, I've heard the 20 year far surpasses the 23 year in taste and finish.
Thanks for doing this. I'm going to have to live vicariously through you on this one. One of these days. And thanks for recommending Neat, I'm going to watch it now.
I must admit you got me thinking about getting a poor of it at my local establishment. But I am happy that I was able to get the 10 year old Pappy and enjoyed that immensely.
Still would love to find a bottle of 23yr.... We have shared a taste of 15yr around Christmas. It was very nice. We did win a chance, to purchase at msrp, a 10yr Rip. And have enjoyed sharing with family and friends. Great uncorking show as ALWAYS!!! Cheers
Congrats on getting this at retail! I wouldn’t pay more than $270 for this, but let’s be real: if this wasn’t as scarce or overhyped, you can buy Scotch at this price range that will be just as good or not better. At $350, those options expand even more. If you want a true unicorn: get the Karuizawa or Macallan 1929.
I’m now drinking a little Pappy Van Winkle 23 with my Nanner Pudding at Quality Bourbons & Barbecue in Mountain View California. They pour by the glass!
I had the opportunity to drink a glass of this at my uncle's house on Christmas eve a few years ago. He waited until everyone else left and it was only him, my dad and me. They poured me a glass with 1 large ice cube inside. They taught me the "Kentucky chew". To smell it first then take a drink and hold it on your tongue. It was the best whiskey I've ever had!
@@newyardleysinclair9960 Yes I did. We went on a Pappy spree a few years ago. Along with the 23 year my dad had a few bottles of the 12 year also. Forgive me, I'm an every night drinker and tend to get stuck on one research subject. I see you are watching a lot of Pappy videos too! Cheers
I was at a tasting room a couple months ago. After a couple drams, the server brought me a dram on the house, but didn't tell me what it was. I tried it, thought it was good (not my favorite of the night), then said it was Pappy 23 (on the menu for $65!). Nice comp.
New to bourbon and love the channel. You two are awesome, keep it up. And of course, I am on the hunt for a bottle of Pappy. And yes, when I get it I am calling all my bourbon friends together so we can break that bottle open!
Thanks for reviewing a new bottle of Pappy instead of the tired old bottles with an ounce left so the whiskey is so oxidized, it has a different flavor profile. So many you tubers do that.
Thanks for sharing this with us. I really felt the excitement. That's a really high quality video. Bravo, Chad! You caught how beautiful Sara's eyes are. Love you, guys. Travel safely home from NOLA.
Whiskey is made to be consumed. If I want an investment I will buy real estate or stocks. Thanks for taking that cork out and sharing a special time with us! Would you buy it if it were available at the local store? (Let's say price is $500)
My friend shared a bottle of 20 year pappy with me one time we were at his home. I did not know what I was drinking, it was good but I took a couple shots of it like a shot. Then sipped a bit of it while we talked. Bastard loves playing practical pranks on me and doesnt say a word until I confront him about it, we share good laughs.
The 20 and 23 are good but definitely oak/char monsters, indicative of too much barrel time. The 12 and 15 are my preference. As always, personal choice rules the day. I really appreciate your review though, as always great insight. Thanks!
I have never been lucky enough to have Pappy, but based on the assessment they would be far better to put the cork back on it and try it again in a week. My experience with longer aged bourbon is to enjoy that first pour, and put it away. Come back after it had an opportunity for air to hit it, and POW. the smooth, and softer flavors come out in spades after it's had a chance to breath.
BERSERKER then along came the Longmire books / TV series ... might have been the most covert, sophisticated sales pitch EVER. aaaaand ... effective. 😎🙃🥃
I have been doing blind tastings with my whiskey buddies for years...actually doing one in a few hours! I never pick WT 101 anywhere near the top of the flight...except for a 1992 bottling my friend has that is fantastic. Everyone's preferences are different. The guy who usually hosts is a big fan of all WT products. Fun to disagree. Saying WT is a "better" whiskey is just plain wrong though lol. It's far younger, less balanced, and cheaper for a reason. I do think it's a great value bourbon and it's my go-to for whiskey and coke.
My close friend, mentor and officiate at my wedding two years ago shared a bottle of Pappy 23 with me and several of our mutual friends. Amazing day for multiple reasons...
Some of the 15 plus year Knob Creeks store pics have that super oaky taste with the 120 proof behind it. Add a few drops and you would be able to tell the difference.
5 years ago you could buy Pappy 12 year off the shelf for $60, if I would have known then what I know now, I would have bought all 10 bottles and put them in the cellar.
Thanks for posting. Hope I do get to try it some day. I was just geeked to find Weller Antique at a local store last week priced under $23 for a 750 ml bottle ... so that may be as close as I get!
A really big bourbon guy that I know locally has tasted and had quite a few pappy Van winkle bourbons. He iwns a liquor store. I asked him whats really close to taste and flavor profile. Old bardstown bourbon is very affordable and from what he says very much like pappy.
Many years ago, I got one at my local grocery store. Not sure if it was the 15 or 20 but at least I can say I joined the very small ranks of Pappy drinkers. Too bad I tossed the bottle.
Love their videos esp flight fights with crackertime. First they are adorable together. Second they really know and love their bourbon and are honest. Notice Sara could not let a drop go to waste after uncorking by swiping her finger on the bottle! Third, they are really funny, “Chad berries”, “flannel bourbon”
Hi - you talk about the secondary market but i purchase from my local package stores and they are charging very high prices for the more popular bourbons - Weller, Pappy, etc.. How are you able to purchase at what i would call "normal" prices versus the considerably marked up version from the package store ? Thanks
Had my first cask strength Bourbon last night a bottle of Stagg Jr batch #11, 127.9 abv scored at the local Costco $54.95; here in Texas the liquor store is separate from the Costco itself. Drank neat in glencairn glass very small sips I've only been drinking Bourbon about 6 months I enjoyed it a great deal.
I want to see the unedited version...lol. This version is “take a sip” cut out the reaction, fast forward to the explanation. They’re probably like “OMG!!!!, that’s so good!!!!!
I remember a few years ago when it wasn't hyped... my cousin purchased this for $200. The store discounted it because it wasnt moving. Now it's gone everywhere
As a cigar smoker, there is a very good cigar out there aged in Pappy Van Winkle barrels, made by Drew Estate, call the Pappy Van Winkle family reserve. For bourbon lovers is a great cigar, if you're a smoker. If you're not a smoker probably not your best choice for first cigar.
Congrats scoring that bottle. BINGO!! Hey, distilled in 1994, a few years before Sara was born. I'll join you with a sip of my McAfee's Benchmark Old (but not 23 years old) No 8 Brand. Cheers and ENJOY!!
I have weller 107, bt, blantons, and many other top ends. I always use my benchmark out at the camp. Tastes amazing next to campfire at 10 bucks a bottle.
Congrats! Now you just need to track down some A.H. Hirsch 16-year. I bought some when it was $70, but by the time I drank it the street price was $2K!
I just scored a bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle in our lottery. While technically not a "Pappy" I'm still pretty thrilled. I've seen reviews where the 10 rates above the 23 . Not sure If or when I'll ever open it cause once it's open it's open.
Great Review! So informative. Everyone seeks the "White Whale," but to learn that maybe it isn't all it's cracked up to be...PRICELESS! Definitely not a huge cigar, oak, and wood fan (in my bourbons), and especially not at the price point ( 350 or 3000)
My fellow Bottom-O-Barrel Club-Mate & I just Celebrated / Began another BoB Meeting with a Couple of Fingers of Pappy 23 Yr. We have "Other" Ky Straight Bourbon Whiskey's in our Library .. But for Iconic & Taste Reasons .. Pappy consistently EARNs a Place on our Top Shelf ! The Legend concerning Pappy 23 Yr is Hands Down > Correct ! Hold a Pour of Pappy 23 Yr to the Light and SEE a Color of Pure Heaven before your Very Eyes. PS: The Heat You Tasted with Your 1st Sip was because You Over-Sipped .. Pappy is Pure / Intense / 23 Yr. Concentrated Nectar of the Bourbon gods .. not meant to be Rushed as an Ordinary "Other / Lesser" Bourbon. Also .. Nice / Correct Touch to use a Dropper for H2O .. Personally, I most always "Open Up" my Ky Bourbon with A Little / Dropper H2O .. at least the 90 Proof + Tastes.
Well if you make it to utah some time. I will gladly uncork some pappy 15 with you two. I have a great collection including the antique collection. And about 70 others.
That looked like the most cautious and watchful and gentle pour I've seen in a while lol😂 make sure you don't lose a drop! Lol 😂 I'd be the exact same way!
im a fairly new subscriber and have caught a few of your live streams. ive made moonshine alot in my past and have always been a fan of liquor of all sorts. only recently have i focused on american bourbons because of the huge boom in the market. atm i only have a handful of the cheaper bourbons while i build my palette. Buffalo Trace, Larceny, Jack D, 4 Roses SB, etc. one of these days i hope to try a 23 year old Pappy but at this point i know it would be wasted as i have not developed my taste for high end bourbons just yet. Thanks for your great vids! keep up the good work! much love, peace
spoiler alert...it's still awful. 23 years is too long for a bourbon to sit in oak, even on bottom floors. The Heaven Hill 27 year is atrocious. Like wet decaying oak leaves sitting on the bottom of a pile raked the month before. Most pours you find at bars of pappy 23 have been opened for months if not years...because it's not often someone wants to shell out $200 or more for a pour of anything. There's a reason why everyone's favorite and the blind winner of the lineup is always the 15 year.
Yep for $4000 here in australia i would have 2 substitute and try the weller 12 for $200 .but as a whiskey lover/collector if we're thinking keep it for the kids generation.like alternative investments..as we know we may enjoy other bourbon's for cheaper .like 2 give you's an idea of how messed up prices here in australia are .i just brought a master's keep cornerstone rye for $250 ..how much is it in u.s.a?
I'm sure its hard to get a good feel for a bourbon on first crack. Tried a 2017 and thought it was a little underwhelming vs other years. I love the oak notes in the 23, everything about it is so rich. Cheers guys!
