Stitzel-Weller Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old Family Reserve 2012

The Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve exists, next to this 15 Year Old, in a 20 and 23 years old as well, albeit at a somewhat lower ABV. This one was bottled at 107 proof, or 53,5% ABV.

The nose is predictably similar to the one from 2010 but different enough to stand out. Quite some oak and spices, but in this case something dusty as well, as if he is a lot older. Stewed rhubarb and grilled pineapple precede dades and toffee. Hints of coffee as well. Leather, as if from old books.

Oily (not quite creamy) with loads of liquorice and oak. Dark chocolate with raisins. Hints of chervil and even a touch of chilli peppers. Then the cherries and the vanilla (custard) join the fray. Orange liqueur. Slowly but surely becomes a bit hot.

The finish is very long, spicy with a slight bitter touch at the very last moment.

The palate and finish are easily as interesting as those on the bottling from two years before, but on the nose it suprasses that one easily. Grand bourbon!