OPVW 23 special fine today!!!

[tigerlam92]

Hi All,

New member here!

Today I got a very special fine. I happen to pass by Berkeley and wanted to check out the spot (many of you know which one I am talking about) and found a bottle of the OPVW23!! Owner said while he was checking his inventory he found this in the back misplaced, just recently. I bought it right away with a big smile. I asked if it is from last year's bottling, and he said no and thinks it's been back there probably a couple of years at least.

Now I have a 23 and 20. I just ordered a couple of OPVW 15/107 and a VSOF 12/90. I just finished my Blanton and EC18 so I can't wait for the 15 since I am running dry. I was recommended a Whxxxxx (forgot the name) that it is between the Blanton and the EC18 that I will try in the mean time.

Cheers
--Hugh

[gothbat]

I asked if it is from last year's bottling, and he said no and thinks it's been back there probably a couple of years at least.

You should hold the bottle up to the light and see if the glass is green, although PVW23 is always a good find this bottle may be a better find than you think. Welcome to the board.

[OscarV]

yeah,...wasn't the original in green glass and not a wheater?

[tigerlam92]

I'll check later. I don't think I got that lucky to get the really original with the green glass.

It does say Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 23 NOT Old Pappy Van Winkle 23. Is there a difference? I know there is a large discussion on the 15 and I read through all of those discussion, but how about the 20 and 23. On their site, the family reserve for 20 and 23 are call Old Pappy?

Cheers
--Hugh

[gothbat]

yeah,...wasn't the original in green glass and not a wheater?

I believe so, and I think the whiskey is from a mystery source to boot.

It does say Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 23 NOT Old Pappy Van Winkle 23. Is there a difference?

I think you mean Old Rip Van Winkle, which is another line from the company that bottles Pappy Van Winkle. The PVW15 replaced the ORVW15 a few years ago and when they first started bottling it they contained the same whiskey, now whether they are the same is iffy but the taste seems to be. ORVW15 is still found on some shelves but it is no longer bottled. I don't think a 20 or a 23 year old Van Winkle bourbon was ever bottled with the ORVW label, only under PVW.

[tigerlam92]

I believe so, and I think the whiskey is from a mystery source to boot.



I think you mean Old Rip Van Winkle, which is another line from the company that bottles Pappy Van Winkle. The PVW15 replaced the ORVW15 a few years ago and when they first started bottling it they contained the same whiskey, now whether they are the same is iffy but the taste seems to be. ORVW15 is still found on some shelves but it is no longer bottled. I don't think a 20 or a 23 year old Van Winkle bourbon was ever bottled with the ORVW label, only under PVW.

Learning and reading some more, it appears that the green glass is definitely a non SW source so may not be as good, correct?

Another thing that is pretty consistent is that any Van Winkle is bound to be very good.

Interstingly, I now have five bottles of Van Winkle but have not tasted any of them. I was just told that my order of the 15 and the VSOF is shipped. So I can't wait to taste them!

If the 15 tastes as good as I was told and good to me, I will try to find some more 20 and 23 so I can get to taste them and still keep a bottle in the newly started bunker.

Cheers
--Hugh

[tigerlam92]

Question: Do all bourbon drinker become obsess at collecting and search for good bourbon!! I'm starting to feel like I am getting some kind of problem/disease. LOL

[Empty Glass]

Yes...but it's never a problem and there is no need for a cure.

[TNbourbon]

The original Pappy 23 (1999) was the only one issued from Lawrenceburg, KY, which will be on the label. If it's from Frankfort but has no 'A' prefix, it's from the second bottling in 2003. The 'A' prefix marks it as third bottling (December 2005-January 2006).
No, the original is not Stitzel-Weller wheat, but an unspecified (by Julian -- others have their suspicions ) rye-recipe bourbon. No, it may not be as good -- I'd rate it the best of the bunch! (At least till we get our SB.com single-barrel, anyway.)

[tigerlam92]

The original Pappy 23 (1999) was the only one issued from Lawrenceburg, KY, which will be on the label. If it's from Frankfort but has no 'A' prefix, it's from the second bottling in 2003. The 'A' prefix marks it as third bottling (December 2005-January 2006).
No, the original is not Stitzel-Weller wheat, but an unspecified (by Julian -- others have their suspicions ) rye-recipe bourbon. No, it may not be as good -- I'd rate it the best of the bunch! (At least till we get our SB.com single-barrel, anyway.)

Thanks. Frankfort - A504. I'm confused. Is the original unspecified source the best of the bunch or the SW better?

The other bottle I was recommended was the Wathen's. I don't like it as much as the Blanton or the EC18.

Cheers
--Hugh