How good is Pappy Van Winkle?

RivahPirate · June 2012

A great friend bestowed upon me two bottles of Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old. Last night we enjoyed one. Even though it was being consumed out of red solo cups, it was agreed that it was the best bourbon we ever consumed. Thanks to all for the great recommendation.

McStew · June 2012

+1

Try the 14 year old Wild Turkey with the copper bottom bottle

cssmd27 · June 2012

Clearly a great friend to give you 2 bottles!

We discussed this a while back but Pappy started outsourcing the making of their bourbon in the 90's and I can't find for sure what year was the one of them making it. I had one person tell me 1992 which would make the 2012 bottles the last ones of the 20 year old to be 100% made by them. That doesn't necessarily mean the quality will drop though. If 1992 is correct, the 15 year old has been outsourced for a while and I bought a bottle last year and have really enjoyed it.

The Cen-Tex Smoker · June 2012

Best ever. Had some last night. By far my fave. You can also find the old Pappy stock under the Jefferson 18 yr. presidential reserve label. It's more available than Pappy at his time. Same juice though.

MO_Eggin · June 2012

Another vote for best. Great tip on the 18 yr Jefferson.

RivahPirate · June 2012

Will give the Wild Turkey and Jefferson a try. Thanks again.

lousubcap · June 2012

@RivahPirate-the fact that you enjoyed a bottle last night and are not feeling any side-effects should confirm your initial assessment about the quality. If only it was not so scarce. "Great friend" may be not quite worthy of the gift...better to be lucky than good!

The Cen-Tex Smoker · June 2012

So true Cap! (on all counts)

The Cen-Tex Smoker · June 2012

This is the Jefferson that is actually the old stock bought out from Sazrac/weller's who distilled pappy before Buffalo Trace. One sip and you will know its pappy.

The Cen-Tex Smoker · June 2012

There are several good bourbon guys on here who I'm sure will chime in but we all agree that Pappy is the sh*t :)

Z_Eggineer · June 2012

I want to try it so bad! So what are the best ones for sipping under $30? Is there any Jefferson or Buffalo Trace that is affordable? (I am currently unknowledgeable on the subject, but want that to change)

lousubcap · June 2012

You won't find any Van Winkle for under $ 30 or $50 for that matter. If you want to try a good inexpensive bourbon, I like Bulleit...but not sure it's reach outside KY. Old Forrester (from which Woodford Reserve was created) is also good value. And if you like a strong wheat influenced bourbon there is always Maker's Mark. Cruise your local adult beverage store and talk with the beverage buyer-depending on where you are they could possess a good bit of knowledge.

The Cen-Tex Smoker · June 2012

Buffalo Trace or Woodford Reserve are good values. Woodford is my every day and Pappy is my special occasion. Pappy is $80+ in my neighborhood.

The Cen-Tex Smoker · June 2012

And FYI cap. Bullit is out there. Inhave t tried it yet but it's around.

Supercilious_In_5280 · June 2012

Knob creek is my old standby. Father in law loves Blanton's. I think I may splurge and try some Jefferson pres reserve this weekend. Y'all are making me thirsty...

travisstrick · June 2012

Bullit is all over Cen Texas, and not too high.

Z_Eggineer · June 2012

We love Bulleit Rye (~$25) and Knob Creek. Have not tried Blanton's. I like Woodford, but don't see too many good ddeals this time of year for some strange reason. Jim Beam Black or Elijah Craig are not bad in our opinion. Just seeing if there are any whiskey value secrets we are unaware of.

Maybe our next one to try will be Buffalo Trace

Philicious · June 2012

Z Egg - Try Bulleit for around $20 per bottle. By far the best at that price point and up to $100. I have a few bottles of 20 year Pappy stashed away and agree that it is one of the best - like a fresh wedding cake. The Pappy is hard to find due to its limited supply but I am luck enough to have a connection in New Orleans where they buy it at the grocery store.

Philicious · June 2012

And, I hear that Angel's Envy is very good but I have not tried it yet. Maybe this weekend.

Scott805 · June 2012

I am a weekday drinker of Wellers. I tend to lean towards Bookers or Willett on the weekends. And I do mean lean! Can't beat Pappy's, but can't find. Will give Jefferson a shot. Thanks for the info.

AleBrewer · June 2012

For under $30...try and find some Bulleit. I'm working my way through a bottle of 12 yr Elijah Craig, and I wish I would have gotten some Bulleit instead.

Philicious · June 2012

Since you guys are whiskey drinkers, I'll take your advices. I am doing my first real brisket this weekend. I did a 1 pounder a while back but this one will be 7.5 pounds. I guess it is what y'all call a packer although I do not know what a packer is. Anyway, I keep hearing and reading about a brisket being a difficult cook. Any first time tips? A little birdie told me that I am getting Angel's Envy for Father's Day - which we are celebrating tomorrow - so I will have someone to smoke with. Pecan wood?

travisstrick · June 2012

Since you guys are whiskey drinkers, I'll take your advices. I am doing my first real brisket this weekend. I did a 1 pounder a while back but this one will be 7.5 pounds. I guess it is what y'all call a packer although I do not know what a packer is. Anyway, I keep hearing and reading about a brisket being a difficult cook. Any first time tips? A little birdie told me that I am getting Angel's Envy for Father's Day - which we are celebrating tomorrow - so I will have someone to smoke with. Pecan wood?

7.5 lbs aint a real brisket and it prolly aint a packer.

RivahPirate · June 2012

Any creative ideas for an empty Pappy Bottle? Hate to put the empty on the shelf as a constant reminder of the greatness.

killborn · June 2012

Since there are so many Bourbon drinkers, is it worthwhile dong a Bourbon thread for us to put down comments/pics of new or good Bourbon's? I have only been drinking Bourbon for the past few years and love me some small batch, so always looking for something new to try..

Z_Eggineer · June 2012

Killborn: YES

LPcreation · June 2012

Buffalo Trace is one of the best value bourbons. It can hang with the more expensive stuff and it's only a hair over $20. Bullit is a good choice too, but I think Buffalo Trace takes the cake.

The Cen-Tex Smoker · June 2012

Basil Hayden's is another very nice drinker. Very grassy but a cool flavor and very smooth. Definitely on the lighter side but I like it anyway.

killborn · June 2012

Good to see I am not completely insane, some of my affordable fav's been mentioned here. My go to bourbon for the last few months has been Bulleit, but I do enjoy the Basil Hayden's and Jefferson. These have me completely off Jack.

Another Fav is Elmer T. Lee and Knob creek.

So many good Bourbon's, so little time..

The Cen-Tex Smoker · June 2012

Good to see I am not completely insane, some of my affordable fav's been mentioned here. My go to bourbon for the last few months has been Bulleit, but I do enjoy the Basil Hayden's and Jefferson. These have me completely off Jack.
Another Fav is Elmer T. Lee and Knob creek.
So many good Bourbon's, so little time..

Regular Jefferson and the 18 yr presidential select are 2 different animals (litterally). I prefer Woodford over all the other Jefferson's that I've had. Not over the presidential select. Der's Pappy in dem dere bottles :)

AleBrewer · June 2012

Yep....Buffalo Trace is another fine bourbon for the money. Also enjoy Knob Creek too.

My Elijah is just about empty now....I think I'll hit the store tomorrow and see if I can find some Pappy.

I'm travelling for work, so I only like to have one bottle at a time in case I gotta pack up and head out.

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