Baffled by Pappy 15

[felthove]

Baffled by its complexity, that is.

For better or worse one of the first "good" bourbons I purchased was a recent PVW15. And I loved it. I read a little and figured I might be a wheat guy and picked up a few other wheated bourbons (Weller 12 and 107, Old Fitz and Very Old Fitz 12). I liked them (especially the Weller 12) but didn't find them nearly as interesting as the high rye bourbons I've been buying, and my tastes seem to be leaning toward that style.

Still, I haven't had another bourbon (out of the 30 or so I've acquired) that exhibits the range of flavors and delicious uniqueness of the PVW15. I'm trying to identify what is responsible but I just cannot put my finger on it. I know there are a huge number of variables that affect the final product but can anyone suggest why this product is just so darn tasty and unique? Perhaps it's just my inexperience with bourbon...?

[pepcycle]

You've gone and done it.

Found the Holy Grail without a long search.

You can retire from Bourbon.

Nothing left.

:rolleyes:

[Gillman]

There is always single malts.

No seriously, Pappy 15 is very good but (to me anyway) it represents only part of the bourbon spectrum. As good as it is, one wouldn't want I think always to drink the same bourbon. And (ultimately) one can tire of almost anything. Trying other parts of the spectrum would allow an appreciation of, say, bourbons in the 4-6 years range, or 6-10, or made with rye as the flavor grain, or of straight ryes on their own and in these age bands, and so forth. All these have their own characteristics and can be pleasing as such. It just adds variety.

Gary

[Markoturbo]

PVW15 seems to be my consistent favorite, a bit more character and octane than:cool: the 20, but the 20 is smoother and so is the lot B with a little less character.

[Old Lamplighter]

You've gone and done it.

Found the Holy Grail without a long search.

You can retire from Bourbon.

Nothing left.

:rolleyes:

......And, since you have found the Grail, you will have little use for the other "30 or so" you have acquired which means they would find welcome homes among your many friends here.:grin:

[barturtle]

There is always single malts.

I'll save you some time and trouble: Highland Park 25yo.

[ggilbertva]

Baffled by its complexity, that is.

...can anyone suggest why this product is just so darn tasty and unique? Perhaps it's just my inexperience with bourbon...?

If you haven't acquired the barrel proof BTAC bottles, get some. In fact, get all of them. I found the '07 Saz at 90 proof to be quite zippy....it really woke my mouth up. The barrel strength bottles have the added benefit of being able to alter the proof to your particular taste. I wouldn't suggest though that you drink the Stagg at 144 proof.

[heatmiser]

I wouldn't suggest though that you drink the Stagg at 144 proof.

Come on now Greg! :cool:

I actually find the Stagg straight to my liking. Very, very, very small sips...

[ggilbertva]

Come on now Greg! :cool:

I actually find the Stagg straight to my liking. Very, very, very small sips...

VERY small! I find the high proof tends to mask the flavors and deadens the taste buds after a while. While I have had all the BTAC at their bottled proof, I like to wake up the flavors and save my palate by cutting it down. Besides, cutting the proof makes the bottle last longer. Go ahead....call me a wimp...I can take it.

[felthove]

I am anxious to try the BTAC products but as a resident of WA state I fear I am doomed to never find any in my state liquor stores. I visit family in CA each summer (bay area) so there's a chance I could find some there when I visit. Anyone on the board have any tips on how to track down any BTAC products?? Thanks!

[Rughi]

I visit family in CA each summer (bay area) so there's a chance I could find some there when I visit. Anyone on the board have any tips on how to track down any BTAC products?? Thanks!

When you come down this summer, come see us at the East Bay Study Group. There's no knowing what'll be around then, but we'll help you out.

Roger

[Merlin_AZ]

I'll save you some time and trouble: Highland Park 25yo.

Had some new years eve.

A little "oaky" for my taste at the start, but very nice indeed.

[felthove]

When you come down this summer, come see us at the East Bay Study Group. There's no knowing what'll be around then, but we'll help you out.

Roger

A member of the EBSG already PM'd me. You guys on this board really are kind and generous. Best to you all.

[CrispyCritter]

Baffled by its complexity, that is.

Still, I haven't had another bourbon (out of the 30 or so I've acquired) that exhibits the range of flavors and delicious uniqueness of the PVW15. I'm trying to identify what is responsible but I just cannot put my finger on it.

I'd put it down to barrel character, distillery (even though the latest PVW15 isn't 100% Stitzel-Weller) and Julian's talent at barrel selection.

For me, wheaters tend to be sweet and fairly simple - and that's not a bad thing, by any means - but PVW15 (and the now-gone ORVW15) are major exceptions to the rule.

[NickAtMartinis]

For me, wheaters tend to be sweet and fairly simple - and that's not a bad thing, by any means - but PVW15 (and the now-gone ORVW15) are major exceptions to the rule.

Right on the money, CC. I feel the same with with wheaters. They normally lack complexity, especially the PVW 20 and 23. Both are just straight forward sweetness. But, the PVW15 is a totally different beast. It actually has the complexity I enjoy in ryed bourbons. And, the same goes for the ORVW 10/107.

[ggilbertva]

I'd put it down to barrel character, distillery (even though the latest PVW15 isn't 100% Stitzel-Weller) and Julian's talent at barrel selection.

For me, wheaters tend to be sweet and fairly simple - and that's not a bad thing, by any means - but PVW15 (and the now-gone ORVW15) are major exceptions to the rule.

Just for curiosity sake, does anyone know when PVW15 was all SW? I would love to do a side by side of two PVW15's. I bought 4 bottles in April '07 but I don't know how long those bottles had been sitting on the shelf. If the bottling happened in late '06, doing the math, that would place the distillation somewhere around 1991 which would be SW.

[ACDetroit]

Not sure Greg but I have a bottle I bough back in 2004 and I would be game for this side by side!

Cheers!

Tony

[HipFlask]

Twice now I have held a bottle of this in my hand and wanted to buy it but put it back for next time. Only problem is next time it isn't on the shelf. I can guaranty that there will not be a 3rd time. Lesson learned the hard way.

[ggilbertva]

Not sure Greg but I have a bottle I bough back in 2004 and I would be game for this side by side!

Cheers!

Tony

Hey Tony....when you coming to VA!?

[ACDetroit]

Greg? No time soon with the baby, but I am planning on going to the Sampler in April? Not sure if your bottle will last that long but I have not opened the one I bought in 2004 so I could bring it with??

Cheers!

Tony

[ggilbertva]

Greg? No time soon with the baby, but I am planning on going to the Sampler in April? Not sure if your bottle will last that long but I have not opened the one I bought in 2004 so I could bring it with??

Cheers!

Tony

Sorry brother, but I have to skip the sampler. I purchased a franchise last year and my store will be open in April and I'll be working full time getting things going. Wish I could join but not this year.

[NickAtMartinis]

Sorry brother, but I have to skip the sampler. I purchased a franchise last year and my store will be open in April and I'll be working full time getting things going. Wish I could join but not this year.

Greg, congratulations on the franchise. If you don't mind my asking, what franchise did you purchase?

Mark

[felthove]

Quick question about Pappy 15 (or other Van Winkle products, if appropriate). We got a bunch of PVW15 in WA in December and now it appears that most of it is gone. Is there just one annual release date of certain Van Winkle products? Does it vary by state? I know it's probably complicated but I figured I'd ask. I have 2.5 bottles left and need to know how slow to sip them :cool:

[B1bomber]

Interesting question. I'm finding it impossible to find in north Jersey. Ironically, I seem to find the Pappy 23 everywhere, even more common than the 20. Yet the 15 has all but disappeared for now. Anyone know why?

[Pharaoh]

Quick question about Pappy 15 (or other Van Winkle products, if appropriate). We got a bunch of PVW15 in WA in December and now it appears that most of it is gone. Is there just one annual release date of certain Van Winkle products? Does it vary by state? I know it's probably complicated but I figured I'd ask. I have 2.5 bottles left and need to know how slow to sip them :cool:

I think due to limited quantities bottled / available, most Van Winkle products are allocated like the Antique Collection. At least that's the way it appears to be in California.