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Monday, December 1, 2014

Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year


Happy December Everyone! Today we have another hot ticket item for review- Pappy Van Winkle 15, Family Reserve bourbon. There are currently six different PVW whiskies (five bourbons and one rye). All PVW bourbons use wheat in the mash bill (instead of rye). The whiskey used to be produced at the Stizel-Weller Factory but is currently made at Buffalo Trace.  Julian Van Winkle III is the current company President, and his grandfather "Pappy" is the man smoking that nice looking cigar on the label. 

Details:
15 years old
107 proof
Wheated mash bill

Color: Deep Mahogany 


Nose: Vanilla ice cream and burnt sugars initially float out of the glass. Buttered popcorn, cocoa powder, and a slight nuttiness follow suit. A healthy dose of toasted oak, along with a slight pepper spice, combine for what I can only imagine will be a unique and well-rounded bourbon. 

Taste: At 107 proof, PVW 15 boasts a rich, chewy mouthfeel. Caramel popcorn, toffee, and  marshmallow blend elegantly on the tip of the tongue. On the mid palate, there is graham cracker, cloves, black pepper, and freshly rolled tobacco. 


 Finish: A medium, full-bodied, yet mellow finish. Sweet spice and heavy, dry tobacco linger. 

Conclusion: This bourbon makes me want to sit by a campfire and light up a cigar with great friends. The sweet tobacco finish is the highlight of this bourbon as it makes you want to come back for another glass. At MSRP, it's surely worth penny- if you can find it! 

My Rating: A (Great) 

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