Pappy Van Winkle 20 year abnormal taste

Hi all, just wondering if anyone else has encountered a "bad" bottle of Pappy 20 year. I was able to procure a bottle of Pappy 20 year from my co-worker who opened the bottle and did not particularly care for the juice. I have had it for about 6 weeks and finally poured a dram tonight and was welcomed to an unpleasant taste and smell. This bourbon was unlike any other Pappy 20 year I have ever had and had a very distinct varnish taste and smell to it. The Pappy was very acidic with a sharp taste unlike the smooth velvety bourbon I have previously had. The nose was very similar to Angel's Envy but that is where the similarities stop. The pour was very sweet but prominent tarnish taste it, and the finish was awful. Needless to say I was extremely disappointed with the Pappy and would like to know if ORVW would even consider a refund/replacement for their product.

What's the provenance of that bottle? A corked bottle has a very distinct taste, but that doesn't sound like what you are describing. If that bottle came from a store, contact Buffalo Trace as I am sure they would replace it.

Remember that scene in the movie Problem Child when he urinated in a jar of lemonade to refill it ...

I have heard that in the past Julian has replaced bad bottles. Can't hurt to ask.

Yes, make inquiries. The bottle doesn't sound corked but it certainly doesn't sound right.

This is a good example of why a lot of people don't buy opened bottles...unless you pop the cork yourself you have no idea what happened to the juice in the bottle...

Hmm, you procured an opened PVW20 bottle from a co-worker who didn't like it and didn't test it for potability right away - strike three! WWYT? It was open already.

Your right I should have checked the potability. As for buying an open bottle, this will be the last time. Live and learn......I will try to see what ORVW can do about it- thanks for the info.

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Originally Posted by gobills23

Your right I should have checked the potability. As for buying an open bottle, this will be the last time. Live and learn......I will try to see what ORVW can do about it- thanks for the info.

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Unfortunately, the fact that it was already open may be your undoing. I'm guessing Buffalo Trace and/or Julian may question whether or not it's even their whiskey in the bottle which may make a replacement unlikely. Hopefully, your co-worker didn't fleece you on the price and/or contents and you can get this resolved somehow. Good luck!

I didn't read the original post thoroughly last night after a few bourbons on the back porch. My guess is that it's not Pappy in the bottle...