Van Winkle Special Reserve Set ‘B’ 12 Year Old Bourbon 2025 Release (70cl, 45.2%)

Van Winkle Special Reserve Set ‘B’ 12 Year Old Bourbon 2025 Release is a whisky. Aged 12 years, bottled at 45.2% ABV, 70cl. Julian P. “ Pappy” Van Winkle Sr. truly was a wise man who kicked off a family of fine bourbon makers with his mantra to make the spirit “at a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always a fine bourbon”. In 1893, he set out as a travelling salesman for W. L. Weller & Sons until eventually he and a friend saved up to purchase what would become known as the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. They quickly became known for their wheated bourbon production and Pappy remained involved in the business until his passing at 91 years old. After taking over management and moving to a new base, his son, Julian Jr. resurrected a pre-Prohibition label called Old Rip Van Winkle using stocks from the old distillery. The brand was then passed down a further generation in 1981 and now Julian III and his son continue to run operations and production of the Van Winkle label at the Buffalo Trace Distillery. From Van Winkle themselves: “Proof Van Winkle Special Reserve is the perfect combination of age and proof. This sweet, full bodied whiskey has been described by some as “Nectar”. We agree! The 12 years of aging and medium proof of 90.4 seem to be just right in creating a very pleasant drink of whiskey. This fine bourbon can compete with any excellent cognac as an after dinner drink. The overall impression is rich and deep. “Well crafted…elegant, stately…balanced beautifully””.