View Full Version : Sam's Bottling: 20 Year Old Van Winkle Bourbon
To all Van Winkle Fanantics:
I noted a few months ago that Sam's would be bottling an exclusive cask of Van Winkle bourbon. The time is here! I learned from Sam's Spirits Specialist (that must be a good job!) that they are only expecting to get approximatley 70 bottles from this cask; bottling will begin next week; Sam's should have the goods in about 3 weeks; and the cost is $100 per bottle. If you want a bottle, give them a call ASAP, as they are expecting it to be all gone in less than 1 month.
I wrote to Julian Van Winkle to inquire about this bourbon, and he informed me of the following: it is 20 years old, 105 proof, it is not chill filtered, and he stated that it is excellent.
Despite the price, I decided that I have to try this, so my order is in! I wanted all Van Winkle fans from StraightBourbon land to be aware of this as well.
Bob
**DONOTDELETE**
04-27-2003, 11:06
http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif That is way too cool Bob! A single barrel unfiltered Van Winkel! I want one.. no wait two.. 70 bottles you say? http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif I'll take them all! http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif => Linn
Linn,
Sorry, but you can't have 'em all, cause my orders in already! http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif You can, and should, get the rest though! http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif Then we can DRINK IT MAN, DRINK IT!!!
Bob
**DONOTDELETE**
04-27-2003, 13:38
I hear 'ya Bob! You've got mail! => just Linn
I both love and hate this news. I love it because the bourbon market is strong enough to encourage distillers to offer expressions like this and I know that ultimately benefits me.
I hate it because $100 is way more than I want to pay for a bottle of bourbon even from someone like Julian who I rank as my most favored bourbon maker. If too many other expressions from Julian and/or other distillers are available in such limited quantities at such high prices, I will be sitting on the sidelines. http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/frown.gif
I am much more interested in distillers making less limited and more readily available expressions. I'd rather have thousands of bottles available so that, once I try it, I can go back and buy a few more to bunker. Perfect examples of this are GTS and OFBB.
I hope that this event is just a master at work (which I like to see) and not a trend of uber bourbons that send prices sky high like those of the "s" word.
jvanwinkle
05-02-2003, 13:59
Just to keep you guys up to date, we had a little label issue with the Feds. The whiskey was always inteded to be bottled at cask strength. We had the proof too low on the label for it to stll be called cask strength.
So now we have decided to bottle the whiskey at actual cask strength, with not one drop of water added. It just so happened that the barrel Sean Ludford of Sam's picked out was 133.2 proof, so that's what it will be.
It will take a couple of more weeks to get the label approved, so hang in there.
Julian
PS. It is still remarkably mellow at that proof!
bluesbassdad
05-02-2003, 14:11
Julian,
Will the higher proof affect the pricing, or are you giving away the additional $26 worth (by my calculation -- 133/105 X $100) of bourbon for free?
I was going to try to resist buying this bottling, but I am weakening.
Yours truly,
Dave Morefield
Julian,
Thanks for this info!!! Now I am looking forward to my order more than ever, and I know someone else here is as well!!! http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif
Bob
Supposedly there will be only about 70 bottles to go around... I see Bob has his order in and after my order which includes bottles for me and some friends , there are already 7 gone (if Bob ordered 1 bottle). Better get those orders in fast! http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif
Weakening, the will is weakening. The wallet is opening. I can't resist. Cask-strength ORVW. Now that would be worth the money, despite my earlier comments on this thread. Dang, another $100 gone.
**DONOTDELETE**
05-03-2003, 08:06
http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/cool.gif Be strong men! Steady now. Steel your nerves and do not waver. Stay the course, AND BUY THEM ALL! CHARGE!!! BLeeeeE!!! HUZZAH!!! Barrel proof unfiltered Van Winkle is what Julian's been drinking all his life. So that's what happened to his hair. http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/blush.gif http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/wink.gif http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif
Barrel_Proof
05-03-2003, 08:08
My order's in, too! You didn't think B_P would pass on a barrel proof Van Winkle, did you?
I'm thinking I can do without this one , But now I'm not so sure, I'll regret it if I don't . Gee with FRSB coming in August or thereabouts , this one, new Stagg and Birthday Bourbon, Maybe a separate Pot Still from Woodford, Is this the golden age or what? http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif
Barrel_Proof
05-03-2003, 13:13
Speaking of FRSB, I'm still kicking myself for only bringing back one .7L bottle from Paris a couple of years back. Last year, it was nowhere to be found. It was the best bourbon on the shelves of the Franc Prix grocery chain and priced at only $12. http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/frown.gif
It will be interesting to see how much they charge for it here in the states... In Japan it goes for around $21 after conversion. I found a bottle in 2 different stores here in the US and they were selling for $39.99 at both. Though this was the older style bottle when it was sold here. If it was that much then when it was out (90's I think), I'm scared to see if it gets raised higher now...
I kind of feel the same way, but the barrel proof is what drew me over the edge.
jvanwinkle
05-04-2003, 19:06
I spoke with Sean at Sam's on Friday. The pricing is not up to him but the powers to be a Sam's, (Bob Bofman). I think the price will remain at about $100.00 per bottle, even though the proof is higher. The price of this bottling is stickly being driven by the supply which is very limited. We expect to get about 60 bottles from the barrel. Each bottle will be numbered, which should make it interesteing.
Julian
Hi Julian,
Thanks for this update. Only 60 bottles...the angels sure got their share! I can't wait to try this. Could you fill us in on the status of the bottling? Has this been completed? Any idea when Sam's will have it in their possession?
Bob
jvanwinkle
05-06-2003, 08:51
We had to reapply for BATF label approval. That takes two weeks. It is tricky picking out the label proof and still call the whiskey "cask strength". I believe we've decided on 133.4 proof, since the actual barrel proof was 133.7 proof. You loose a few 10ths in filtering.
So it could be another three weeks before the whiskey is on the shelf in Sam's.
I'll keep you posted.
Julian
Thanks for the updates Julian, that damn BATF... http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/smirk.gif http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/grin.gif
kgiammarco
05-06-2003, 14:52
Out of curiosity, what is the deal with the BATF when you want to make a bourbon where the proof is not printed on the label, but is just left blank to be filled in later on by hand, like bookers?
bluesbassdad
05-06-2003, 16:20
David Soto of Sam's has confirmed that I'm in.
Get 'em quick guys and gals.
Yours truly,
Dave Morefield
Good question. I was wondering the same since they write the proof in by hand on Stagg.
Maybe Sam's is the one who ordered the labels, not Julian. That would explain it.
I put my order in today for one bottle. They mentioned that someone had ordered six bottles. I figured that it was Paradox. http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/smirk.gif
An update for those of you waiting for this bottling: I asked David Soto of Sam's for some info regarding the status of this bottling, and here's his reply. He believes that it will be available in about 3 more weeks http://www.straightbourbon.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/frown.gif , and that he will e-mail everyone that has placed an order once he has a definite arrival date and price to confirm orders.
Hopefully, the arrival date won't get extended much further, and the price will not rise from what it was originally.
Bob
I hear that. I can take waiting longer if necessary, but I DO hope the price does not increase...
This is just to update everyone about the arrival of the Barrel Proof Pappy Van Winkle 20 year at Sams. As of today the expected arrival date at Sams is Thursday (approximately). Emails should go out to those who called over there and left their names on the list for a bottle. The price still has not been set either. I cannot wait to get a taste of this already! If it's as good as I am expecting it to be, Julian is a lucky man! http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif
mwgladden
07-01-2003, 14:19
someone please tell me how to get a hold of sam's bottling.... http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Try calling Sams, their # is 866-SAMSWINE
Here is a link (http://www.samswine.com/homepage.asp) to their website.
Ok all you bourbon fanatics! The day has come, Barrel Proof Pappy Van Winkle 20 year is about 1 hour from being hand delivered over at Sams. There aren't that many bottles to go around, but there are still bottles left. The price as it sits right now is $99.99. There will also be an ad ran about this bottling in The Malt Advocate from what I am told. People who have orders in, you can expect to have the order shipped Monday as with the holiday weekend they don't want the bottles just sitting around some where. Hope this news cheers up those with orders in who have been waiting as eagerly as I. http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif
It's here! http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I got bottle number 12 of 60. As expected, the bourbon has a nice deep red amber color.
I can't decide whether to crack it open right away or save it! http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/banghead.gif
Speedy_John
07-09-2003, 08:42
I say: http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/drink.gif it, man!
SpeedyJohn
CL,
I agree with Speedy John, drink it man, drink it! http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/drink.gif As I was out of town when the good news arrived that this bottling was finally in, mine won't be here until Friday, but hell, after all the anticipation, what's a few more days? http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif Let us know what you think of it, if you do decide to crack it open.
Bob
As far as me getting mine so soon, I was in the right place at the right time.
I live in NC. Sam's can't deliver to NC. http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
However, I am spending this week at my parents' in WV. Sam's can deliver to WV. http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Also, I got the shipment so soon because UPS will not deliver spirits in WV. So, I had to "settle" for FedEx two day http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif which only cost a couple buck more anyway. http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
The best part is I was able to personally answer the door and take delivery this morning. http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif In fact, it came literally two minutes after I remembered and remarked to my Mom that I was going to get a present today. What timing!
CL,
You sure were in the right place, at the right time! I guess that's why your 4 happy faces http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif outnumber the one sad face http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif When I get mine, I'll have lots of happy faces too! http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Bob
bourbonmed
07-09-2003, 16:34
Can someone post a photo of this bottle?
Thanx,
Omar
CL got his today, here's the pic from his post...
http://www.straightbourbon.com/uploads/17637-Rotation%20of%20PICT0018.JPG
Barrel_Proof
07-09-2003, 16:39
Omar: You just need to go flat mode and head North! The pic's been there all along!
How did you get that picture inline in your post? I thought that, since the software change, the pictures were presented only as attachments, like it was in my post.
Chuck,
He used the image function instead of an attachment. Just click on image and put a link to a picture on a website. He just linked to the picture on a previous post.
Yep, you just have to think around the software limitations for us threaded viewers (w/o making Jim go nuts rewriting the software)... http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung/spezial/jasons_smilie/idea2.gif http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Next time you make a post and add an attatchment, just go back after you make the post (make sure to goto the attatchment and copy the url link) and edit the post including an 'image' at the end leading it to the url that the attatchment is located at...
Yay, my order arrived today as well! The lowest number I got was 4 of 60 so that one will end up in the collection, but the next is getting popped open this Saturday evening. Thanks for the tasting last night CL, it was nice to read your impressions. Like Jeff, I too liked the reference of 'sweet orange duck sauce with a dash of yellow hot sauce'. It will be very interesting to compare both this and Stagg side by side... http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif
Close-up of label
bluesbassdad
07-10-2003, 11:46
Does anyone know the rationale for applying the "Old Rip..." designation rather than "Pappy...", which was once rumored to apply to this bottling? I confess to a slight disappointment that I am not about to acquire a bottling with the seemingly more exalted "Pappy..." label. Price is obviously not the sole criterion. I guess if I were Julian, "Pappy" might be the one label element that I would never compromise, as with sharing label space with the Sam's logo.
Is it an oversight that the URL at the bottom of the label is " www.oldvanwinkle.com (http://www.oldvanwinkle.com) ", a currently nonexistent website? I have www.oldripvanwinkle.com (http://www.oldripvanwinkle.com) bookmarked, and it works.
Yours truly,
Dave "Ever the nitpicker" Morefield
On all of his recent private bottlings all the bottles say "old Rip Van Winkle". Even on the bottom of the label on a bottle of Pappy 20 it says Bottled by Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery... I guess he just uses the distillery name since Pappy Van Winkle is the name of a specific product produced by Old Rip.
That website name on the bottom of the label must be a printing boo-boo, how else can I put it, haha.
Thanks for the close-up. Yours is much better. My photo came out fuzzy, but I was too busy at the time to reshoot it.
Chuck
NP, I had to take some shots for the 'collection' pics anyways, so why not jsut throw it on here while at it. Yours was fine though Chuck, I appreciate you putting it up yesterday, the anticipation of seeing if the label was going to be different was getting to me...
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