Pappy Van Winkle.. ya done good!

[Pill Man]

Tonight after dinner, a friend and I shared a couple of glasses of Old Rip Van Winkle, 15 years old, 107 proof Bourbon (his Bourbon, my Bolivar Lonsdales).

My.. oh.. my! What a taste treat!

In my limited experiences, this has got to be the very deepest and darkest bourbon that I have ever seen - deep mahogany in color.

It's a very complex tasting Bourbon, demonstrating hints of barrel char, vanilla, caramel, and oak. It has a very rich "mouthfeel." Flavors of orange peel, nutmeg and clove developed as I drank on.

It was not as "spirity" as I had anticipated given its 107 proof - a good balance between flavor and alcohol. Complimented the Bolivars quite nicely.

There's not doubt that the older the Bourbon, the better. This 15 year old is not easily found, but if you're a Bourbon lover, it's well worth the search.


Doug

--
"Oh. I had religion Lord, to this very day, but the women and whiskey, well, they would not let me pray."
- Son House