Van Winkle

Van Winkle

World's Most Sought After Whiskeys

Van Winkle whiskeys are celebrated for extraordinary aging and meticulous selection. Each expression delivers a rare, time-honored experience that reflects generations of expertise and the Van Winkle family legacy.

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year

Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year

Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye

Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year

Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year

Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year

Van Winkle Official Website

HISTORY OF VAN WINKLE

The Van Winkle family’s involvement in bourbon began in the late 1800s with Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr., a traveling salesman for W.L. Weller and Sons. In 1935, at age 61, Pappy opened the Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. His son, Julian Jr., continued the legacy until 1972 when the distillery was sold. In 1981, Julian III revived the family brand, focusing on producing high-quality wheated bourbon. The Van Winkles entered into a joint venture with Buffalo Trace Distillery in 2002, where all production now takes place under strict family guidelines.

The Van Winkle family’s involvement in bourbon began in the late 1800s with Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr., a traveling salesman for W.L. Weller and Sons

In 1935, at age 61, Pappy opened the Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. His son, Julian Jr., continued the legacy until 1972 when the distillery was sold. In 1981, Julian III revived the family brand, focusing on producing high-quality wheated bourbon. The Van Winkles entered into a joint venture with Buffalo Trace Distillery in 2002, where all production now takes place under strict family guidelines.

JULIAN P. “PAPPY” VAN WINKLE, SR.

A man who was true to the craft, Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr.’s mantra was “We make fine bourbon at a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always fine bourbon.” His name has now become synonymous with quality in the bourbon industry.

Pappy was the first in four generations of Van Winkle bourbon-making. He was a traveling salesman for W.L. Weller and Sons before partnering to form the Stitzel-Weller Distillery in 1935. Pappy remained active in the industry until his death in 1965 at age 91.

JULIAN P. VAN WINKLE III

Julian P. Van Winkle III is the third generation to produce bourbon whiskey in Kentucky. He joined his father, Julian Jr., in 1977 and has since continued the Van Winkle tradition of producing high-quality wheated bourbon.

Julian has added 12-year, 15-year, 20-year and 23-year bourbon labels to the Van Winkle selection of premium bourbon whiskeys. He also has enriched the whiskey portfolio with a 13-year premium rye whiskey. Under his leadership, the Van Winkle brand has become one of the most respected names in the industry.

UNIQUE FACTS

Expressions like the Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year are aged for over two decades, offering a depth of flavor that is rare in the industry.

The Van Winkle Collection includes highly sought-after releases, such as the Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old Bourbon, which is packaged in a handmade wooden box and comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Julian Van Winkle.

The Van Winkle family has been producing bourbon for over a century, with each generation contributing to the brand's esteemed reputation.