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Old Rip Van Winkle 12 Year Old Special Reserve 750mL
Original price was: $1,099.99.$749.99Current price is: $749.99.
Often hailed as the “nectar” of the Van Winkle lineup, this legendary 12-year-old wheated bourbon offers an exceptionally smooth, well-balanced sipping experience. Bottled at a gentle yet flavorful 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV), it swaps traditional rye for wheat in its mash bill, resulting in a naturally sweeter, softer profile. Brimming with luxurious notes of rich caramel, dark fruit, vanilla bean, and soft oak spice, this highly limited, collector-grade bottle is widely regarded as one of the most drinkable and approachable expressions in the entire Pappy Van Winkle family.
14 in stock (can be backordered)
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old “Lot B” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750mL)
The Ultimate Expression of Balance & Elegance
Crafted according to the strict quality standards of the legendary Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr., the Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old—affectionately known by enthusiasts worldwide as “Lot B”—strikes a flawless equilibrium between maturity and smoothness. While its older siblings in the Pappy family reserve lineup command headlines for their intense oak depth, the 12 Year Special Reserve is celebrated by connoisseurs as arguably the most balanced and effortlessly enjoyable bottle in the series.
The Wheated Mash Bill Difference
What truly elevates this expression is its signature wheated mash bill. By swapping out the spicy kick of rye for the soft sweetness of wheat, the spirit interacts beautifully with the charred American white oak barrels over its twelve years of aging. Bottled at a precise 90.4 proof, it retains a rich, full-bodied mouthfeel without the aggressive alcohol burn of high-proof spirits, allowing its intricate layers of flavor to shine cleanly on the palate.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance: A rich, brilliant copper and deep amber-orange hue.
Nose: Intensely inviting and complex. Aromas of buttery toffee, honeyed nuts, and caramel cream are beautifully complemented by hints of dried red fruits, mellow cigar tobacco, and a gentle kiss of seasoned oak.
Palate: A supple, velvety entry that feels heavy and substantial on the tongue. Decadent flavors of light fudge, maple syrup, and orange marmalade are braced by subtle undertones of brown baking spices, leather, and vanilla bean.
Finish: Long, warm, and incredibly elegant. The fade is complex and evolving, leaving trailing notes of caramelized wood, dark cocoa, and a delicate hint of white pepper.
An Exquisite After-Dinner Sipper
Because of its rich depth and incredibly soft finish, this fine bourbon functions beautifully as an after-dinner neat pour, comfortably competing with the world’s finest cognacs. Due to its micro-allocation and legendary cult-following, the Van Winkle 12 Year Old remains a crown jewel for spirits collectors and a bucket-list pour for any true whiskey enthusiast.
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