Bourbon Whiskey's Greatest Enigma: Where to Buy Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon

When it comes to bourbon, most options fit comfortably on the shelf, but then there’s Pappy Van Winkle—a few steps above top shelf. For those who haven’t been chasing a bottle for years, Pappy Van Winkle is a type of bourbon that can cost over $2,000 a bottle. While you might find some listings showing a starting price of around $130 to $270 for many Pappy Van Winkle Bourbons, you’d be hard-pressed to stroll into a liquor store and find a few bottles just sitting there.  

Why is Pappy Van Winkle So Hard to Find? 

So why is Pappy Van Winkle so hard to find? It all comes down to supply and demand. Bourbon enthusiasts everywhere are eager to taste this elusive concoction, but only about 7,000 to 8,000 cases of Family Reserve are released each year—amounting to approximately 84,000 bottles. To put that into perspective, big bourbon brands like Jim Beam produce about 84 million bottles annually. Pappy Van Winkle has developed a magical vibe around it, partly due to the sheer unavailability. The fact that you can’t simply buy a bottle anywhere or find it on the bar menu only adds to its allure. Collectors and connoisseurs are willing to go the extra mile—spending time, effort, and money to hunt down this bourbon. 

Where to Buy Pappy Van Winkle?  

So, where can you buy Pappy Van Winkle? The hunt for this elusive bourbon can be quite the adventure. With so few bottles released annually, finding a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle often feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. Among these, Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23-year is arguably one of the rarest and most sought-after bourbon in the U.S., a bottle so treasured that it was even gifted to the Pope by a priest from Kentucky. Between the evaporating alcohol and the lengthy ageing process, which sees the bourbon resting in oak barrels for two decades, it’s no wonder that only a small number of bottles are available each year. While many liquor stores may carry it during special releases in the fall, knowing where to buy Pappy Van Winkle can make all the difference. The limited supply makes it a challenge to locate- making it stand out as a holy grail for bourbon lovers. This scarcity adds to Pappy Van Winkle’s allure, drawing collectors and enthusiasts into a spirited quest. Here at Frootbat, our global network of liquor retailers and warehouses connects us to some of the most exclusive licensed retailers in the world, giving you a better chance to secure your favorite Van Winkle expressions without the hassle of tracking it down.  

Is Pappy Van Winkle Worth It? 

The question of whether Pappy Van Winkle is worth it often arises among bourbon lovers, and the answer is inherently subjective. The level of aging is certainly one of the things that sets Pappy Van Winkle apart from other bourbons on the market. While many start on the lower end, aging their bottles three to five years, The Youngest bottle in the Old Rip Van Winkle collection is the Old Rip 10 year, aged for a lengthy 10 years. This extended aging contributes to its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile, leading many whiskey aficionados to justify its high price tag. Though, opinions among seasoned tasters vary; while some appreciate the complexities of Pappy, others argue that the towering cost may not necessarily reflect the experience. Though there is certainly no denying the quality and craftsmanship of this incredible bourbon; the legendary Anthony Bourdain once remarked during an episode of The Layover that "if God made bourbon, this is what he'd make." 

Personal preference also plays a significant role Ultimately, whether Pappy Van Winkle is worth the investment will depend on the individual and their appreciation for the nuances of fine whiskey—after all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We believe that for or any whiskey lover, it’s essential to try, at least once, to experience this legendary Bourbon for yourself. 

Who Makes Pappy Van Winkle? 

Nowadays, Pappy Van Winkle is produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. This historic distillery has been in operation since 1773, making it one of the oldest in the U.S. Alongside Pappy, Buffalo Trace produces other sought-after bourbons, including Eagle Rare and Blanton’s. Though, The Van Winkle legacy actually began with the Stitzel-Weller distillery, co-founded by Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle in 1935. Here Van Winkle leaned on Kentucky wheat instead of rye in his mash bill, producing a smoother-tasting bourbon. Van Winkle became the first to make and sell a mass-market fine whiskey with wheat as its dominant secondary grain, arguably his biggest contribution to modern bourbon. 

After the distillery was sold in 1972, his son, Julian Van Winkle II, retained some ageing whiskey and had the first right of refusal on additional barrels. His grandson, Julian III, later leased an abandoned distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where he started his own bottling operation, featuring the Old Rip Van Winkle brand created by his grandfather. He utilized his father's stocks of Stitzel-Weller whiskey, sourced new whiskey from other distilleries, and occasionally acquired exceptional whiskey from a derelict distillery called Boone.  

As supplies of aged whiskey dwindled, he signed a deal with Buffalo Trace to bottle the remaining stocks and distil new whiskey to his specifications, ensuring the Van Winkle tradition continued. Today, the Van Winkle family continues this legacy at Buffalo Trace, adhering to the strict guidelines established by Pappy himself to ensure the craftsmanship and quality of their bourbon remain unparalleled. 

Ready to embark on the hunt for this legendary spirit? Why not take the hassle out of the tireless search and make things easy... Frootbat is here to help! Our extensive network of licensed retailers gives you access to exclusive Pappy Van Winkle expressions, helping you navigate the elusive world of fine bourbon with ease.