A benchmark of aged bourbon perfection, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Years Old 'Lot B' offers an extraordinary balance of depth and smoothness. This 12-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon whiskey unveils a rich tapestry of flavors, making every sip a journey into the heart of bourbon craftsmanship.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A sophisticated bouquet of warm caramel, vanilla bean, and toasted oak immediately greets the nose. Underlying notes of dried dark fruits – fig and raisin – mingle with delicate spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a hint of worn leather and sweet tobacco. There's an inviting sweetness counterbalanced by a refined aged complexity.

Palate: The entry is remarkably smooth and velvety, unfolding layers of butterscotch and rich toffee. The sweetness is beautifully integrated with a robust oak presence that is never harsh, but rather supportive. Flavors of dark chocolate-covered cherry, roasted nuts, and subtle baking spices emerge. A creamy texture coats the mouth, leading to a gentle warmth spreading across the tongue.

Finish: Long, luxurious, and satisfying. The finish lingers with sweet oak, caramel, and a pleasant dry spice. Echoes of vanilla and leather persist, leaving a memory of sophisticated warmth and a desire for another sip. The 90.4 proof ensures a full flavor experience without an overwhelming burn.

About the Distillery

The Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, though not the original production site for all its whiskey, is synonymous with the Van Winkle family legacy in bourbon production. Tracing its roots back to Julian 'Pappy' Van Winkle, the brand is celebrated for its commitment to traditional sour mash methods and extended aging, creating some of the most sought-after bourbons in the world. While the whiskey itself is now distilled at Buffalo Trace, the blending and bottling continue under the watchful eye of the Van Winkle family.