Pappy Van Winkle 20 year abnormal taste

[gobills23]

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.

[LostBottle]

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.

[Rockefeller]

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

[SMOWK]

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

[squire]

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

[michaelturtle1]

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...

[MauiSon]

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.

Edited December 18, 2012 by MauiSon

[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.

[unclebunk]

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.

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!

[SMOWK]

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...

[Rockefeller]

I should also think that it's highly unlikely that someone (your coworker) would not like PVW20 and want to get rid of it - unless it actually is a funky bottle. If they are familiar with PVW, then they would have known it was off. If they weren't familiar with PVW, then I doubt they would have been in a rush to get rid of something they invested the time/money in finding.

[Halifax]

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...

I agree. I would have a talk with the person that sold the OPEN bottle to you. I don't think it is realistic to expect the distillery to replace the bottle for you. I know it sucks to be out of the money, but the buyer should always do their due diligence.

[squire]

Is the coworker willing to help with the inquiry?

[p_elliott]

I am sorry to say that Julian is under no obligation to replace a bottle that was bought already opened.

[squire]

I agree they're under no obligation Paul, nor should they be, but they might want to take a look at it.

[gobills23]

I contemplated contacting ORVW but decided against it- after all it is my responsibility to check the product out before buying. I contacted my buddy and he said he bought his father this bottle and did not actually have any. He stated his father who never has had Pappy, did not like it, and knowing that Pappy 20 is my Pappy of choice sold it too me. Since my job is pretty tight knit and I trust my co-worker, I have no reason to doubt the juice was switched. I am bringing a sample to my co worker and having him try it. If he agrees then I will just have him give me my money back and he can deal with it after that. On the bright side I found a Rinttenhouse 25 on the shelf for $175 and a couple of Jefferson Presidential 17 yr for $100.

[squire]

Sounds like an equitable solution.

[BourbonJoe]

Yes, about two years ago my son had a very similar bottle. I told him to contact Julian. He didn't. He just threw it out.

Joe :usflag:

[spinningrecords]

I had a funky bottle of PVW20 once. What was the bottle code on your bottle?

[wildcatdon]

I had a bad bottle of 10 yr 107 ORVW about a year ago and Liquor Barn took it back..No questions asked..

[BourbonGuy]

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...

My guess is the poured out the Pappy and replaced it with Jack Daniels.

[awachatz]

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...

My thoughts exactly.

Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2

[Josh]

$130 bourbon usually leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

[LostBottle]

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...

It is very likley that bottle is some sort of Buffalo Trace whiskey masquerading as Pappy;)

Edited January 3, 2013 by LostBottle

[squire]

I'm just waiting for the Chinese knock off "Poppy's" to show up.