My father in law won a 23 year old bottle of pappy through the ohio liquor lottery. We opened it Christmas day....it was good. We achieved the bragging rights but honestly I'd rather sip on a bottle of ol Forrester prohibition style 1920. Overall we toasted to my brother and sister in law announcing they were expecting 20 minutes later. It was a win/win for our family.

I'm glad yall were able to get a bottle. I know far to many people who get these lineups are just flippers and hoarders. Refreshing to see people that get it and enjoy it themselves.

LOVE THAT YOU GUYS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY AS A FAMILY!!!! I have one on the shelf I've not opened. Found 20/23s several years ago in a liquor store at retail. Fortunate enough to split the bottle with a friend. BEST BOURBON????? The one you enjoy with friends.

I was the Food and Beverage Director for a very well known steakhouse when I was 22 years old (started as a dishwasher at 15, only job Ive ever had) when my at the time fiance, now wife of 12 years got pregnant with our first child. The morning before we went in for her to be induced (gestational diabetes, wanted to take him a week early because concerns) and as I am walking out the door, the GM and Executive Chef pull me into the office where they poured three drinks of pappy 15 year to toast to my child. Was delicious and I was extremely happy and greatful. Then the GM hands me a red felt bag, says congratulations and sent me off to the hospital with my own unopened bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year and a month paid vacation (that I wasnt expecting and didnt come off my PTO accumulation. Best baby gift ever.

I've been trying to get a bottle for a while now but 2022 will be my year. Thanks, I felt like I was there. Love your videos and I always have a great time hanging with you and yours. Have a great 2022!!!

My husband and I were fortunate enough to get a pour of Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year a few years back. We were regulars at a local craft beer bar, and our favorite server told us they had just gotten a bottle in and asked if we'd like to try it. I remember it was wonderful, but I so wish I could go back now with my still unsophisticated but somewhat more refined palette and try it again. I was more focused on getting the ultra hoppy and rare beers at the time and had yet branch out to bourbons. But at least I can say I've done it. I hope I get that chance again. Congratulations on this wonderful find!

Congrats on the pick up! That is some serious commitment to get the bottle. Enjoy it with loved ones!

Excellent video. In law school, a few buddies and I lined up early for a state-run liquor store release of Pappy. Together, the three of us got a total of 1 15-year, 2 12-years, and 2 10-years. We opened a 12 and 10 at our graduation, and they were both incredible. Half of us preferred the 12, while half of us preferred the 10. Oh, by the way, we paid MSRP for all five bottles!

Thank you for the review. I've been wanting your take on a pappy and you gave me exactly what I wanted.

Thank you for letting me drink vicariously through you. Have never had a PVW experience but all things are possible.

Just saw this recently….really enjoyed hearing about the hunt and the seeing the first pour. My youngest son gave me a bottle of Van Winkle Special Reserve (13 yrs) 7 yrs ago and it is impatiently waiting for his wedding to be opened. Thanks again!

Have searched High and Low for this bottle for 4-5 years. I got two this year at $85 a piece. Thank you State Controlled liquor.

I bought a bottle of 12 year old Van Winkle Special Reserve in 2008 and actually didn't like it--it had a perfumey note that reminded me of the wax Halloween candy I used to buy as a kid. Then in 2010 I bought a bottle of 20 year old Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve to celebrate a new job I'd gotten. It was $99. It was very nice, very refined, complex and balanced. Lately I've seen it going for $2500/bottle, or else for sale only by lottery. It's not worth anything like that price or trouble to me. I think there are plenty of other bourbons out there that can deliver a really fine experience without the hype or hassle of Pappy. Pappy now seems to be mostly a trophy bourbon.

Just found this video! I completely understand Kurt's reaction to his first sip of the PVW. I had my first and only pour 10 yrs ago just before PVW got discovered by the masses. We were at a Supper Club which had an extensive bourbon inventory celebrating my daughter's engagement. I wanted something amazing and the young waiter said we have this stuff named PVW and everyone loves it. It was $10/pour, I think it was the 15 yr. and was indescribably delicious. I gave my wife a sip (not a bourbon drinker) and she just about ripped the glass out of my hand. I know I'll never taste it again, but the memory remains fresh and remains the ultimate standard for me. Thanks for sharing Trenton and Kurt...enjoy!!

Ive tried it at a local restaurant. I said the same as you, I could smell it while it was on the table. I will be searching hard for this bottle because its the best Ive tasted so far! Thanks for the great videos!

I've had 20 and 23, and they were awesome. There are very few others like it. I don't think I'll ever wait in line for it, but I'll definitely buy it (at a reasonable price) if I ever have the chance.

Glad you got to try it!

It's refreshing to see a true reaction to Old Rip. Someone reviewing any Van Winkle product through the lens of a secondary market purchase is like a person mounting a fish someone else caught. If you say Pappy is overhyped or that you're disappointed then you might want to check your own perception criteria. It's great juice and sure there is better but finding it in the wild or in this case being involved with someone who did is an experience that just adds another dimension. I remember the first bottle of Old Rip I got and at that time it was the best thing on the planet. I've had many more since but this video captured the spirit of that first one and it made me forget about being a bourbon snob for at least 10 mins. Thanks and Merry Christmas!

All I want for Xmas is Trenton to come to Canada and find me some of that !! Merry Christmas everyone at SLB ... Cheers !!

If I ever made a video on this topic, it would be around 15 seconds long. "YES! Not the best I ever had, but top 3. The fun is in the hunt and you'll have a full year to save for next year's allocation. Good luck"

Congratulations! What a crazy find

It's cool to see someone's expression when they try a new new bottle for the first time.

Great pour!

I've been fortunate to have had a glass of this a couple times in my life. The best part of Rip 10 is the nose to me. Nothing quite like it when you first open it up and smell it. It'd be hard for me to put a price on it. Depends on if the wife is around. . . Happy holidays! cheers

Awesome channel and content, just laid back and chill with no cheesy corporate sponsorships lol anyways, I know I'm late to this video but everytime I see a new upload I know it's going to be worth the watch 😎

We got one at close to msrp...and I'm thankful. Haven't tries it yet because we are hoarding bottles for our 20th anniversary. Crazy...I know...but its something we enjoy together. Cheers!!

I remember about 15 years ago I could get the 20 year for under $100. They would be sitting on the shelf collecting dust. If I knew the market would change like this I'd have bought every bottle I saw.

Can't find this anywhere in NJ. I'll keep trying tho. Love the unfiltered reaction. Thanks.

We sold this at a liquor store I use to work at Nice review! 👍

I just wanna say, ur channel put me on Evan Williams BIB. I just picked up a bottle of it a couple hours ago and took a sip a few moments ago, damn this is good for a cheap whiskey. Thanks for another great recommendation

Twenty-two years ago, I used to be able to cross the Ohio River into northern Kentucky and find liquor store shelves stacked high with 10-year-old, 15-year-old, and older Van Winkle family products. They were my go-to drinks. It was indeed the nectar of the gods. The finish went on forever. It was most definitely the best bourbon I've ever had and, aside from Lagavulin and Ardbeg, it was the best whisky of any kind I've ever had. I don't know what happened to make Van Winkle so rare and it's incredibly maddening.

Thanks for sharing. This is really neat.

Great job! You look as happy as when I get a very special scotch. Cheers! Great Christmas bottle for the bar.. As always, a great video..

Glad you guys enjoyed it and this is a good video. I will say that my 2 star tastebuds would probably still prefer a $30 bottle of fireball.

Wow so nice to have a friend wait 16 hours and then share. I don't see anything wrong with a little over pour. lol. love that you are speechless. I have had the van winkle 12 and was the same. I feel it is a better bourbon and just hits the mouth right. Now I need to get an old rip van winkle to try too. thanks for sharing.

Thanks for sharing this amazing bottle with is :)

Great video Kurt, I'm strictly a scotch man. I dabbled in Bourbon for a bit just not my bag.Quick idea how bout you show us the rest of the bar, let us see what you see.

After tasting this, it’s hard to justify the price of it. It was damn good but not the best that I’ve ever had

I just bought one to save for the day I graduate medical school. Can’t wait to try it!

I was lucky enough to get that bottle from my regular store about 10 days ago - $89.97. Not sure when I will open it. I have heard it is even better after being open a couple weeks.

Found a bottle of PVW 10 year in Key Largo for $1999, 12 year was $2699. Of course it stayed in the museum, but was exciting just to see bottles.

At that price point I doubt I will ever afford to buy a bottle myself. I would love to have a friend like yours who shares 🙂

At a distance the label looks like an old pirate treasure map. The aroma like the salty musty dried leather boots of the buccaneers who waded ashore. @ $150 ... a steal! Quite a jewel, but not worth getting scalped by your wife if you paid over a grand. Glad you mentioned that. My wife gets her butcher knife out every once in a while after me too. I call it the "me too" ... movement.

Amen indeed! It is priceless when you spend it with friends…

Very enjoyable video, thanks for sharing

You are lucky to be able to get this bottle! I have a hard enough time just trying to find a Weller offering (at a sane price). Would love to try that one of these days, just to say I did. So nice that you can share it as a family and all enjoy it. Makes it just that much better! Cheers!

I am sure it is an amazing pour. The closet I have come is George T Stagg. I wish we didn't have to play the game of 'what would you pay' and these bottles were available at MSRP

I just saw this yesterday locally for $299. Still considering it but haven’t pulled the trigger. Great to get y’all’s current perspective on price levels.

Excellent review fun.

Congrats 🥃

I've had on glass of Pappy, and it was the best I've ever had. I don't habe the money to chase after it. If I could buy them for 150 or less, I would probably get 1 bottle a year.

I was lucky enough to tried the 10 and 12 van winkle back when I used to lived in the Bronx. I saw it a Speak easy kind of place, few blocks away from the Yankee stadium. They didn’t even know about! How special and rare those bottles are. They charged me regular price for the serving and they gave me a good pour!! I found a bottle of 10 years at local store in Nj. They were asking for 1k but I was able to get it for $850. I’m trying to sell it but worst case scenario I’ll keep it

I got a bottle of this, this week for MSRP, have not opened it yet but I cant wait.

Kurt i saw the Rip in a bar yesterday and I just couldn't believe my eyes. I payed $27 for a pour. It was the highlight of my day.

I truly love how excited you guys are about this bottle. I wish I couldn’t say this, but I was super loaded one time and hand some PVW and don’t remember it one bit. Hopefully it was the lower quality stuff but I’m not sure… I don’t remember. Anyway, cheers you all!

This review and the comments have stunned me. I was “fortunate” enough to get a bottle earlier this year for the cost of an anniversary vacation. Was left as a “gift” in the cabin we rented. Couldn’t wait to get it home. Soon as I got home I opened it to air out and called my bourbon brother and he couldn’t get to my house fast enough. After about an hour of being opened we had our first pour. Smelled decent but no fireworks. No biggie; the taste is what we were looking forward to anyway. Cheers. Silence from both of us and a long stare. I knew what I thought but wanted to hear his thoughts. We both took a second taste. Sheer disappointment. Very mediocre at best and far too hot for a 107. Having many barrel proofs in the 120’s and up I didn’t expect it to hit like a 130. So I shelved it for a month then revisited. Still mediocre. I no longer drink out of it. Instead I share with others who’ve never had it before. So far about 10 others; some of which have had the other pappys. Not 1 single person said they’d pay more than retail (about $72) and most said that if it was on the shelf on a regular basis they wouldn’t even buy it. I agree with that. It’s the hype and nostalgia of it that brainwashes you into making yourself enjoy it. I guarantee if you go back in 3 months and do a blind taste with 4 other similarly mashed offerings it will finish last or next to last. That’s my opinion and my story for what it’s worth. 🥃 cheers

Found it at my local store two weeks ago. $500 and the only one I’ve ever seen in the wild. I buy for a charity auction and last year it went for $700 so no loss to me but, wow. The next week my store offered me Weller 12, yes please!

I believe $150 for this bottle is priced perfectly 👌 I have never tried any of them but I hear 20 and 23 year is not worth the money. Hoping someday to get my hands on this bottle. Loving this channel

Just recently went to buffalo trace distillery. Worth a trip for the bourbon fans. They have over 30 bourbons. But they only have THREE mash bills. Weller and pappy are the same recipe. Just aged in different houses. Which it DOES make a difference. Some houses have dirt floors, wood siding, and closer to the river. Others are concrete and metal walls. If you don't believe me, EH Taylor, buffalo trace, eagle rare, George T Stagg and benchmark are the same recipe and taste nothing alike.

I'm so jelly lol good for you guys you deserve it!

I was able to buy this for $89 this year, which I think is closer to true retail. That being said, i'd still pay $150 for it. cheers.

I would definitely pay $250 or under. It is a gem for sure. Love this episode. It had me anticipating the taste also. Thanks. On another note, have you ever done a review on Four Gate? I have a bottle of the Kelvin Collaboration II but haven't opened it. I would love to see your review on it.

Had a pour not long ago. It was fantastic

Can a follow up review be done with this? All this great flavor on the neck pour. I'm wondering how it will do after it opens up. Salute to Trent for doing all that work to get a bottle at MSRP

As as clerk in a high traffic liquor store that gets allocated burbon we had the pleasure of getting three. I like to call them unicorns.

I think you’ll get it for retail (if you’re very lucky), or pay $750+ (if you want it), or you won’t get it (you’d be willing to pay $300 or $500 or $700 - but you will NOT see/get it for that). In short, you’ll pay retail if that’s available, or you’ll pay market value $1200 or higher.

My gf and I took the last 2 pours from a bottle at a wine bar in Pensacola the other week. It was fantastic

Speechless... great review. The closest I can score is Weller Special Reserve and that's not saying much.

"I wanted to share my favorite liquid lunch with you, Pappy Van Winkle. 23 years of distilled perfection." - Nick Fury

I'm jealous, watching this while sipping on Old Grand Dad 114 🤣

kurt, Ten years ago I paid $39 for this same bottle ( different shape bottle ).Good juice but the hype has out won all else. Merry Christmas to all . JZ

I finally found Pappy 12 year at local restaurant. 42 bucks for one shot. It was good, smooth but still interesting finish that is spicy but not too much. It did not have an exceptional or remarkable mouth feel. The aroma was notable. It definitely reminded me of other releases from the same distiller. I have 60 dollar bottles that are easily as good. Someone I know paid over 1000 bucks for a bottle (probably 18) on the secondary market. Insane. I would pay retail, and would not put any special effort into finding it.

There's a local store near me with a bottle of this, a George T. Stagg, and a few other allocated bottles in a case marked "Not For Sale". I'm told it is a private collection passed down from the owner's father. I was also told she'll let the Stagg go for $1000. I'm not a buyer at that price.

I was lucky and a year back I was able to get a bottle for MSRP. I hate to tell you that you will probably never find a bottle for $300. The cheapest I have seen a bottle on the secondary was $850. The average price is usually between $1000 - $1200. Good luck.

Just FYI I was at Buffalo Trace in August. The tour guide told us that Weller is the same as Pappy.

The kroger's in my state do at pappy lottery once a year at 52 stores in the state. Last year I went to 45 stores and won a 10yr, my friend who went with me won a 20yr. This year I went to about 20 stores a day and entered into each over 4 days and won a 10yr and a 12yr. Next year I think I'm gonna try to do 30-40 stores each day and see what I get! It's a great road trip and a hell of a logistics scavenger hunt with some RNG at the end and every day is a speed run, probably one of the most fun games you can play.

i would love to find something like this for retail or slightly more. i would pay a max of about $300 and be able to justify it to myself. the last time i was blown away by a whisk(e)y was Joseph Magnus. thats currently my seldom drank special occasion pour, i cant imagine anything being much better than that but i hopw i find out someday..cheers!

Got a 10 yr and 12yr lot b, not tapped into them yet, personally for a full flavor I like Rowan creek.

Just saw an ad pop up on face book listing this bottle at $1,555. Crazy.

Hey Kurt, glad you fellas got to try this bad boy out! After many years, I finally found one this week for $400. I know many on here will think I “overpaid”, however, I live in a big expensive city of Denver and I’ve never even seen one in the wild. In my opinion, I got a great deal. The way I even got access to the bottle is by developing a relationship with the store owner, over a period of time, who offered the bottle to me (it was not on the shelf). For good measure, he sold me a Weller 12 that day at a few bucks above retail. What you guys mentioned in a video some time ago is true, become a customer, build relationships, that’s how you get a shot at allocated bottles! TY gents and best of luck on future hunts

Scored a bottle in the Kroger raffle. MSRP, I’m happy. Christmas Miracle!

Pappy is what started me on my bourbon journey. sweetest thing I ever tasted.

When I started buying PVW back 20 years ago, the 20 y/o was $91 at Bevmo, and the bottles were dusty. At another store in Reno, NV the 10s were both on shelves and not in the lockup. 90 proof was $19.99, the 107 at $24.99 both in squat bottles with long necks. But to answer the question.. YES, it's an incredible bourbon line. At these prices, maybe not

I have had the 10 year for two years, I just scored the Lot B this year. The 10 year is really good, but far from the best thing I have ever tasted.

Congratulations! $150 is a great price.

I haven't read all of the comments, but I would like to see you do a blind taste test with Old Rip and Weller Antique. Both are 107 proof!

hi great video as always!! those 2 rock glasses you have are very nice. where do you buy them? thanks

Wow, great find! Any thoughts of doing some blind tastings? It's hard not to be swayed by the label. I know that whiskey blenders will even use black glasses so they can't see the color. Btw thank you for leadingme to the Old Granddad 100 proof and OF Rye. Ps how do I get a Trenton?

I searched far and wide for anything Van Winkle for a number of years. I asked my local liquor store to keep an eye out for anything Van Winkle and I would buy it. One day I went in to buy some beer and they surprised me with a bottle of the Old Rip and sold it to me at the current list price of the time, $68. As I was walking out to my car, someone else spotted it in my hand and offered me $175 for the bottle. I couldn't turn it down and accepted their offer. About a year later I found a bar that had the actual Pappy Van Winkle 23 year served in 1 oz., 1.5 oz., and 2 oz. pours. I asked the server that if they indeed had it I would take it in the smallest serving. Sure enough, she came back to the table with a 1 oz. pour of the 23 year and the bill. I sipped it before even looking at the bill. Damn good bourbon, but the price tag was $130. After reviewing the tasting notes of it, I would put it on par with the W.L.Weller, which at the time sold for $19.99 per bottle. REALLY good bourbon, but not worth the hype, lesson learned.

My son is getting married the 31st of December I have been trying to get this waited in line for a year on allocated days, can’t get it!

A fun video! 👍

I just got my first bottle, same thing this morning and I am looking forward to ripping into it. Happy Holidays SLB. I paid $400 secondary.

Appreciate the video. Rip Van Wink is not Pappy Van Wink. Rip Van Wink shows up twice as much as Pappy but it’s not common. Looking forward to your Pappy review.

Great review man.. I’m guessing it IS close.either way,, I have never tasted,nosed,experienced,any bourbon so “elegant “as the “poor man’s,I let the mix sit in a N older Buffalo Trace bottle since thanksgiving.IDK.then On Christmas I tried it. Of course I am no master blender. But this stuff was great.I can’t compare it to the real thing because I don’t think I’ll ever see that. I had to put it next to others that I like and was amazed.Every “note” came out by letting it sit,only to even the proof deficit , by about three to five minutes.I should have started with another bourbon because that was the best I’ve had.

I bought my 10 yr Old Rip at a charity auction last month $800-. Seems to be the going rate around Savannah GA.

If you get a chance, do a blind taste test vs OWA 107. Very curious what you think of Old Rip in comparison.

Where are these magical places where you find Pappy for $200 over MSRP? Where I live, it's either camp out for 5 days for list price and maybe get one or pay secondary/close to it by having friends in a bourbon club. That's how I scored mine and my Lot "B". Even the cool store owners I know charge 2/3 of secondary prices for these and BTAC.

Got another bottle at Costco today for $60. I missed the Pappy 15 which sold for $97. The ORVW is indeed good but I would not go more than $150

Just had this back to back with heaven hill 17. This was definitely better tasting and more enjoyable, even though the heaven hill 17 was more unique

Got one last year, it's good but when tested against 107 it's just smoother. Same nose, same flavor profile. I got lucky to get old rip at cost, would never buy it at any other price. 107 is the same thing