Alternatives to “Pappy Van Winkle” Bourbon Whiskey Tasting

Pappy Van Winkle is the most sought after bourbon whiskey on the market today. In order for most citizens to get their hands on a bottle, they may have to set up a tent outside of a liquor store after a delivery, pay north of a $1000 for a bottle, or spend $150 on a 2 ounce pour at a bar.

Sometimes the popularity of a brand can carry it away and leave the consumer wondering what they are actually paying for. In this case, it is rarity, not necessarily flavor that you are paying for…I will present some comparable flavor alternatives at our tasting and dispel many myths surrounding the Pappy Van Winkle brand.

“Pappy” Van Winkle was the patriarch of the Van Winkle family and introduced “a whisper of wheat” into Kentucky’s bourbon recipe. A bourbon must be at least 51% corn, but, normally, the balance of the mashbill is rye and barley. Rye is usually the flavoring grain, but the Van Winkles found that wheat was a softer, and gentler flavor component for their grain bill. There are very few wheated whiskeys available on the market today, but we will explore the few that exist. We will sample four wheated whiskeys. (Perhaps a surprise bonus pour…) There will be prize giveaways and gifts for all attendees!