Van Winkle 10YO vs 15YO

[Bamber]

I have a terrible confession.

I prefer the Van Winkle 10YO (107 proof) to the Van Winkle 15YO (107 proof).

They've both got that really distinctive 'honecombe' aroma and taste but the greater rye influence in the 10YO makes it spicier and hotter, which for me adds to the overall enjoyment.

I've tried 3 Van Winkle whiskies now - the 13YO rye, and the 2 above. The rye is still a clear winner for me but I just love the 10YO.

Anyway its all good

Cheers,

Bamber.

[TNbourbon]

Anyway its all good.

Julian might want to consider employing that as his bourbons' motto.

[brian12069]

Bamber...I'm glad someone made a post on this. Van Winkle is my favorite. I recently tried the 10 year 107 and 15 year 107 proof and I quite frankly couldn't see much of a difference. I never tried the rye but I did try the 12 year 90.4 proof which wasn't quite as good. Still enjoyable but not quite as good. The 10 year 90 proof is very good too.

[tlsmothers]

I prefer the 12 year myself. I think it's darn near perfect when I can't afford to slosh down some 20 year. I love 'em all, though.

[dhooch]

Here's my two cents:

My favorite bourbon was Wild Turkey Rare Breed. That is, until I tasted Old Rip Van Winkle 15 yo. I prefer that brand, but only slightly.

I have ORVW 10 yo and the 12 yo, also. All three have a different taste, to me. Of the three, I like the 10 yo the least, even though I really liked it at first, (since that was my first premium bourbon) until I compared it with other premium bourbons.

Of the four bourbons I just mentioned, my rankings are:

1st - ORVW 15 yo
2nd - ORVW 12 yo and WT Rare Breed (a virtual tie)
3rd - ORVW 10 yo (107 proof)

The range is fairly tight, so that the ORVW 10 yo isn't too far behind the others.

As far as price is concerned and factored into the equation:

WT Rare Breed is about $28 in Cincinnati (actually across the river in Kentucky). ORVW 15 yo is about $39, the 12 yo is about $32 and the 10 yo is about $26. I would pay extra for the 15 yo, because it is so good. I would not buy the 10 yo again, since I prefer the 15 yo. I may consider buying the 12 yo, again because it has a different taste profile. Of course, I buy WT Rare Breed quite often, since I enjoy it and it is cheaper than most of the rest of the above.

I hope that confuses the issue, as much as I can make it.

[brian12069]

ahhhhhh man...all this Van Winkle talk is making me THIRSTY! Think I'll pour myself a small glass of 15 year right NOW! neat of course...

[ratcheer]

Are you sure you have thought about this, thoroughly?

Tim

[TrueBarrel]

Hi, all. Please see my intro in the "Off Topic" section. Glad to be aboard. I've never had a VW product I didn't like. I do like the 10 and the 12, but to me the 15 has a full-bodiedness and richness to it that neither the 10 nor 12 can match. I guess it all depends on what you're in the mood for. The 12 to me is one of the most beautifully balanced and refined bourbons I've had, but I find myself reaching for the 15 more than anything. I have a 20, and one of the old 23s, neither of which I've opened yet. Can't wait to try those.

Down to my last bottle of the 12 rye; gone through many of those and the 13s; just getting started on my F bottlings of the 13. Both, great stuff, but definately different from each other IMHO

For a couple of interesting VW bottlings that I don't think are available is USA, check out www.thewhiskyexchange.com website (UK).

[brian12069]

Are you sure you have thought about this, thoroughly?

Tim

SURE DID!...anyone else able to "sample" some Van Winkle tonight?

[Paradox]

Actually, yeah. Just a few minutes ago poured some of my favorite Van Winkle... ORVW 15yo 107 Proof.

Not including Julian's Ryes, I like them in this order.

ORVW 15 yo 107
Pappy 20 yo
ORVW 10 yo 107
ORVW 10 yo 90

I won't even include the 23 in there since its such a limited thing.