PVW - will I notice the $80 price difference?

[New2Whiskey]

All bourbons I had so far were in the $20 range. Buffalo Trace being my favorite. And I consider it above the others (Eagle Rare, Wild Turkey, Old Grand Dad).

I am considering Pappy Van Winkle which is around $100. 20 Year Family Reserve. My question is: From your experiences, will the taste and overall experience with the first fwe sips justify the costs?

Either that or I can buy 5 additional bottles of other bourbons. But, I'm been desiring this one for about a year.

[Special Reserve]

Cost justification is in your mind and mindset.

You may want to work your way up to the PVW20 by first trying the ORVW 10/107 or the PVW15 or the VWSR Lot B. There are many other options at your command.

If you're new to bourbon, take it easy building up to the high end products or you can just jump in. If you're on a budget and are prone to buyers remorse, you may want to try intermediate pours, if not jump in the water (or is this case) the bourbon is great.

Either way, I hope you enjoy the ride.

Will

[cformes]

Well... the first time I had the Pappy20 I couldn't talk for almost 20 minutes. The nose from that glass is something that my wife talks about to this day. I love that bourbon.

The first time I tried it, I only poured a healthy splash, and it was fantastic.

The second time, I poured a real glass and really fell in love.

If you've got $100 to burn, and an inkling for the Twenty, I think that it's absolutely the right choice.

[ionz149]

I was in your exact same position something like six months ago. I had all intentions of buying the PVW20 but just could not do it so I got the VWSR Lot B instead since I had never spent more than $30 on a bottle.

I enjoyed it so much that I had no problem dropping the c note on the PVW20 the next time I saw it.

Of course the PVW20 was great but I think the Lot B would suit your needs more at this moment if cost is an issue and it's still much better than your average $20 bottle. But if you can buy the 20 year old I say do it :grin:

[PhilsFan]

I would concur with Special Reserve's suggestion on getting the ORVW 10/107 first... It's a great introduction to Van Winkle bourbon, and will probably lead you to eventually buying the Pappy 20, as it did for me.

-Joe

[New2Whiskey]

I would concur with Special Reserve's suggestion on getting the ORVW 10/107 first... It's a great introduction to Van Winkle bourbon, and will probably lead you to eventually buying the Pappy 20, as it did for me.

-Joe

Consider this suggestions "DONE.". Seems like a wise move. And I believe its around $40. I purchased Highland Park 12 Year which make me 'not' give up on fine scotch. I kept purchasing lower priced scotch and it didn't 'spark' my taste buds. HP 12 YR did! Now I proclaim that I enjoy scotch.

[polyamnesia]

All bourbons I had so far were in the $20 range. Buffalo Trace being my favorite. And I consider it above the others (Eagle Rare, Wild Turkey, Old Grand Dad)...

i can't help with regards to pappy!

but i (respecfully!) have to put BT well below OGD...and ER...and WT....Bt seems dull quite dull in comparison to these three other QUITE different pours.maybe i got unlucy with bottlings as many EC12 folks have!

with BT, i feel i wasted a few dollars. it shouldve cost about $15...

most i ever spent (thus far) is on the 2007 GTStagg at $50+

[mythrenegade]

I like PVW20, but to me, it's overpriced. On the other hand, PVW23 is worth every penny to me. Weird.

Joel

[spun_cookie]

Joel,

I have found that the longer you let the 20 yr open, the better it gets. Give it 30 min and it is one of the best bourbons ever made...

... and yes, the PVW 20 yr is worth the extra $80.... you drink it slow and let it open... not a party bourbon

[ACDetroit]

I like PVW20, but to me, it's overpriced. On the other hand, PVW23 is worth every penny to me. Weird.

Joel

Joel, a 20 year old whiskey is overpriced at $100? If that is the case! Are you saying the extra 3 years are worth an extra $100 to $125 depending where you live? I may have to open a 20 yr old tonight to see if it's really overpriced.

Tony

[jburlowski]

I'd second the sentiments here that the 20 is over-priced. I'd recommend the PVW 15 at half the price. IMHO, it's the best of the Pappy releases!

[tritioch]

Personally the PVW line is 12, 20, 23 (and mostly in the 20yr). 12 is a damn good bottling of Bourbon, and the 20 seems to defy logic for the expressive character, while the 23 remains legendary

[mythrenegade]

Joel, a 20 year old whiskey is overpriced at $100? If that is the case! Are you saying the extra 3 years are worth an extra $100 to $125 depending where you live? I may have to open a 20 yr old tonight to see if it's really overpriced.

Tony

[Attila]

I would not say the 20 is necessarily better than the 10 or 15, its just different. You might spend 100 bucks then realise that the extra age does nothing for you.

I dont think its worth 80 bucks more than the others, but it is definately worth $100.

[theBOURBONreview]

It's funny, I tend to occur with most of the other postings here with regards to the difference b/t 20/23 [23 worth every penny - 20 very good, but leaves something to be desired]. Frankly, I find the 15 to be 'hot.' To me, the 12 yr is the price/quality optimization. I've put together a linear representation of taste v. scarcity, with regard to price - in the form of a graph. I should post it somewhere probably...

cheers,

[New2Whiskey]

It's funny, I tend to occur with most of the other postings here with regards to the difference b/t 20/23 [23 worth every penny - 20 very good, but leaves something to be desired]. Frankly, I find the 15 to be 'hot.' To me, the 12 yr is the price/quality optimization. I've put together a linear representation of taste v. scarcity, with regard to price - in the form of a graph. I should post it somewhere probably...

cheers,

[onmytrack]

I'd second the sentiments here that the 20 is over-priced. I'd recommend the PVW 15 at half the price. IMHO, it's the best of the Pappy releases!

I've got to agree with jb on this one. PVW15 is better than Pappy 20. You also get 2 for 1.

New2 - You can't go wrong with Lot B for less than $40.

Jim

[spun_cookie]

I think the 20 yr (as well as the 15yr) depends on which one you get, but you will find more refinment in the 20 yr...

I recomend you get a glass of the 20 yr somewhere and drink it slowly... you will see how good it is as it opens... - and I love the 15yr as well...

[mythrenegade]

Joel,

I have found that the longer you let the 20 yr open, the better it gets. Give it 30 min and it is one of the best bourbons ever made...

... and yes, the PVW 20 yr is worth the extra $80.... you drink it slow and let it open... not a party bourbon

By the way, I'm going to try this. I'll pour some and let it sit for 30 minutes or so before tasting. I doubt it will change my opinion on the value of the bourbon, but I'm guessing I will enjoy it more and that's always a good thing.

Joel