Stitzel-Weller Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old Family Reserve 2010

Because of the low volumes of production, this is a rather rare bourbon. Julian Van Winkle Sr started his career as sales rep for W.L. Weller & Sons at the age of 18 in 1893. In 1908 he bought the company. Two years later he also bought the A. Ph. Stitzel Distillery in Louisville (Kentucky) and merged them. Stitzel-Weller was born. Just before Prohibition they brought the Old Rip Van Winkle to the market, that gave Julian the nickname Pappy. Since 2002 all Van Winkle brands are distilled and bottled by Sazerac in a joint venture with Old Rip Van Winkle. On the Pappy Van Winkle label you can see Julian in one of the last photographs that were taken of him. He died at the age op 89 in 1965.

Vanilla and oak are the first things I noticed on this creamy nose. Then a truckload of honey and a pinch of cinnamon kick in. Raisins and cherries. Caramelized pecan nuts and maple syrup. Hints of blood oranges.

Hmm, very mouth coating and creamy, but the bite of the spices is rather soft. Caramel and apple, butterscotch, nutmeg. Dark fruit on syrup. The pecan nuts are of the roasted variety now. Wonderful.

Great and long finish on caramel and coffee, with nutmeg at the death.

Wow, this is a very quaffable and simply marvellous bourbon. Not easy to find, though. Thanks, Kris!