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Old Rip Van Winkle 15 year old

Old Rip Van Winkle 15 is no longer availabe and has been replaced by Pappy Van Winkle 15 year old Family Reserve. Van Winkle claims that these two bourbons are identical, I along with many others active in the bourbon community, disagree. This bourbon was created at the famed Stitzel Weller Distillery and was discontinued several years ago. When it's found the price often ranges from $50 to $75.
This is the grown up sibling of the Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year, and the extra five years do a lot to tame this wild child. Sweet corn have replaced some of the molasses and a fine oak replaces most of the harshness of it's brash little brother.
Being very scarse and always well respected, for some bourbon drinkers the ORVW 15 is the holy grail. Sweetness and age, well balanced and powerful.

Appearance: Deep Amber color, reminescent of rich caramel, very full and supple, full glass coating eventually long thick legs form.

Nose: Brown Sugar, Molasses, Fresh baked bread, herbal notes, dry oak, grassy tones, sweet corn, dried spices. Very clean. Very pleasant, bold yet refined.

Palate: Dark brown sugar, ginger, rich warm caramel, plant life, moderate alcohol burn, very warm, very round. Well balanced. Full bodied. Dries down to smoldering oak.

Finish: Lingering burn, the oak settles in wisps of dry smoke. Very mellow, lasting finish, but not overly powerful. As much of the finish is from the alcohol as the bourbon. Balanced.

Notes: A well balanced product, pleasant, but not extravagent, a straightforward product. More dryness than the 10, but not nearly as harsh. Would pair nicely with cigar or Virginia flake. A solid buy and something that when it's gone, it's gone. An excellent representation of a well-crafted aged wheater. Points docked for lacking enough richness to compliment the dryness.

Overall Score: 89

This review can be discussed here in a discussion thread.

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