Yields are a bit higher for the 10, 15 and 23 year old Van Winkle Bourbons, but “we have a one-year gap in barrel inventory for the Van Winkle Rye says Kris Comstock, senior marketing director. “Our current (rye) barrels are 12 years old. So rather than compromise on quality or remove the age statement, we decided it would be best to hold off this year and bottle them next year as the 13 Year Old Rye Whiskey fans have come to expect,”
Known for their smoother and sweeter flavor due to their wheat recipe vs a traditional rye recipe found in most bourbons, Van Winkle bourbons are aged years longer than most others and garner an impeccable reputation among connoisseurs. Although the bourbons have become increasingly popular worldwide in recent years, very little is sold overseas, so that most of these coveted bottles are available in the United States.
Suggested retail prices range from $59.99 for Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10 Year Old 107 proof to $269.99 for Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23 Year Old.
“Unfortunately, we do not control the pricing retailers charge, so many retailers mark it up, even though we ask them not to,” said Julian Van Winkle, president, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “We have not raised prices and do not intend to do so drastically in the future. We are committed to our quality and our pricing and hope retailers will honor what we suggest as retail pricing.”