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Photo libraries, in ascending order by bottling year
Old Rip Van Winkle 20yr, 133.4pf, Sam’s Single Barrel – 2003
One of the rarest and most collectable Van Winkle bottles, and one of the very few ever bottled at cask strength, this barrel produced only 60 bottles for Sam’s Wines & Spirits in Chicago (later purchased by Binny’s).
Old Rip Van Winkle Woodside 15yr, Batch B11, 92.4pf, 2003
Bottled by Julian Van Winkle for Woodside Pub in California, one of multiple barrels over several years.
Pappy Van Winkle 23yr, Frankfort No Letter, 2003
This was the second release of the Pappy 23. The first was from Lawrenceburg and had the green-tinted glass, also with no letter before the bottle number. The third release had gold wax and an A before the number.
Posted in Old Rip Van Winkle
Tags: 2003, bourbon, old rip van winkle, pappy van winkle, stitzel weller
Tags: 2003, bourbon, old rip van winkle, pappy van winkle, stitzel weller
Old Rip Van Winkle Blue Smoke 18yr, 92.6pf, ~2003
Blue Smoke was a special bottling done by Julian Van Winkle for the Blue Smoke restaurant in New york. Photos courtesy of Eric Rueli.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 18yr, Binny’s Single Barrel, 121.6pf – 2003
The only single barrel Van Winkle bottled for Binny’s, and one of very few barrel proof Van Winkles ever bottled.
Distilled June 10, 1985 and bottled December 2003.
Weller Centennial 10yr 100pf, Sam’s Single Barrel, 2004
Selected by Sam’s Wines & Spirits, a company which was later bought out by Binny’s.
Pappy Van Winkle 15yr Single Barrel, 2004
One of the relatively rare single barrel bottlings of Pappy 15, bottled for Civic Center Liquor in San Francisco in 2004.
Wild Turkey Tribute 15yr – US Version, 750ml, 2004
According to Jimmy Russell, the only difference between the US and Japanese versions other than packaging was the proof. The US version was 101 proof, and the Japanese 110. However, several people say they are still slightly different when brought to the same proof. The tribute is many people’s favorite Wild Turkey of all time.
The Classic Cask Rye, Batch RW 108, 22yr, 90pf, 1981-2004
Photos courtesy of Michael Aronoff
Posted in Kentucky Bourbon Distillers
Tags: 2004, classic cask, kbd, kentucky bourbon distillers, rye
Tags: 2004, classic cask, kbd, kentucky bourbon distillers, rye
Wild Turkey Tribute 15yr – Japanese edition, 750ml, 2004
According to Jimmy Russell, the only difference between the US and Japanese versions other than packaging was the proof. The US version was 101 proof, and the Japanese 110. However, several people say they are still slightly different when brought to the same proof. The tribute is many people’s favorite Wild Turkey of all time.
Wattie Boone & Sons 15yr Bourbon, 95pf
Bottled for the Japanese market presumably by KBD. Release year unknown.
Pure Antique Bourbon 25yr, 90.2pf
A Japanese export bottling likely done by KBD, though not much is known about this rare bird.
Old Advocate 15yr, 107pf
This private select Old Rip Van Winkle is a one time bottling. The story goes that a few law partners ran into Julian Van Winkle III in a liquor store and expressed an appreciation for his bourbon. Van Winkle is said to have asked them for a small deposit to guarantee their own single barrel of Old Rip Van Winkle with their own private label. It’s said that the law partners are the only ones to receive these bottles making this another very rare bottling of the Van Winkle legacy.
Photos and commentary courtesy of Bourbon Benevolence
Wild Turkey Russell’s Reserve 10/101, 750ml
Russell’s Reserve 10 year 101 proof was a much-loved product by Wild Turkey, It debuted in 2001, and by 2005 it had been reduced to the less-popular 90 proof version available today. Fans still love the 101 proof version.
George T. Stagg, 2005 Spring Lot A, KY only, 131.8pf
In 2005 there were three different Stagg releases:
-Spring Kentucky-only (Lot A)
-Spring nationwide (Lot B)
-Fall nationwide
The two spring releases are rumored to be the same batch but were released at slightly different proofs due to the proof changing between bottling. Fall was a different batch altogether. Spring Lot A is the hardest version to find.
William Larue Weller, 121.9pf – 2005
Posted in Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
Tags: 2005, bourbon, btac, buffalo trace, william larue weller
Tags: 2005, bourbon, btac, buffalo trace, william larue weller
George T. Stagg, 2005 Spring Lot B, 131.8pf
In 2005 there were three different Stagg releases:
-Spring Kentucky-only (Lot A)
-Spring nationwide (Lot B)
-Fall nationwide
The two spring releases are rumored to be the same batch but were released at slightly different proofs due to the proof changing between bottling. Fall was a different batch altogether. Spring Lot A is the hardest version to find.
George T. Stagg, 2005 Fall, 141.2pf
In 2005 there were three different Stagg releases:
-Spring Kentucky-only (Lot A)
-Spring nationwide (Lot B)
-Fall nationwide
The two spring releases are rumored to be the same batch but were released at slightly different proofs due to the proof changing between bottling. Fall was a different batch altogether. Spring Lot A is the hardest version to find.
The Classic Cask Rye, Batch RW-109, 21yr, 90pf, 1983-2005
Photos courtesy of Michael Aronoff
Posted in Kentucky Bourbon Distillers
Tags: 2005, classic cask, kbd, kentucky bourbon distillers, rye
Tags: 2005, classic cask, kbd, kentucky bourbon distillers, rye
LeNell’s Red Hook Rye, Barrel 1, 2006
Brooklyn liquor store owner LeNell Smothers had four barrels of Bernheim rye bottled by Willett in the 2006-2008 years. This bottle is from the first barrel, #1. According to LeNell’s records, this was distilled on 4/29/83, the same day as the Rathskeller Rye.
Willett 22yr Rye, Doug Phillips “Green Ink” 2006
Selected personally by Doug Phillips and friends, this is the first Willett single barrel rye to be released, and many say the best. The whiskey inside is rumored to have been distilled at Bernheim.
William Larue Weller, 129.9pf – 2006
Posted in Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
Tags: 2006, bourbon, btac, buffalo trace, william larue weller
Tags: 2006, bourbon, btac, buffalo trace, william larue weller
Sazerac Rye 90pf, Binny’s Single Barrel, 2007
Posted in Ancient Age - Buffalo Trace
Tags: 2007, binny's, buffalo trace, rye, sazerac, single barrel
Tags: 2007, binny's, buffalo trace, rye, sazerac, single barrel
Wild Turkey American Spirit 15yr, 750ml, 2007
American Spirit was a special edition 15-year bourbon sold in 2007. It’s generally considered to be excellent, but not as desirable as Tribute.
Willett Rye, 23yr, Barrel 11, 137pf, ‘The Velvet Glove’ 2007
The Iron Fist and its sister barrel, The Velvet Glove, were some of the earliest rye picks done by Willett, preceded only by the first Doug’s and Red Hook barrels.
Willett Rye, 23yr, Barrel 11, 137.1pf, ‘The Iron Fist’ 2007
The Iron Fist and its sister barrel, The Velvet Glove, were some of the earliest rye picks done by Willett, preceded only by the first Doug’s and Red Hook barrels.
Parker’s Heritage Collection #1, Cask Strength – 2007
Posted in Parker's Heritage Collection
Tags: 2007, bourbon, heaven hill, parker's heritage collection
Tags: 2007, bourbon, heaven hill, parker's heritage collection
LeNell’s Red Hook Rye, Barrel 2, ~2007
This 132.8 proof, 24 year straight rye picked by LaNell Camacho Santa Ana while running her Brooklyn based package store. Only 216 bottles were pulled out of LaNell’s 24 year old Barrel #2. The 4 barrels that LaNell picked while running her store in New York have become legendary and have been standard bearers for the straight rye whiskey category that has seen incredible growth in recent years. Unopened bottles of this pick are extremely rare.
Photos and commentary courtesy of Bourbon Benevolence.
Willett 15yr Barrel 841, 129.4pf, Whiskey Keller ~2007
Distilled 4/16/92, selected by Heinz Taubenheim.
Willett 11yr Bourbon, Barrel 105, 108.8pf, Whiskey Keller ~2007
Selected by Heinz Taubenheim, Distilled 5/14/1996
Willett 25yr Bourbon, Barrel 8, 90.2pf, ~2007
This bottle was picked by BevMo in California, and nicknamed “Chocolate Monster” by enthusiasts.
Bitter Truth 24yr rye, 2007
German bitters maker Bitter Truth was one of the early recipients of some of the barrel proof Bernheim rye bottled by Willett, along with Doug’s and LeNells.
Willett 16yr Bourbon, Barrel 3706, 124,3pf, ~2007
Selected by Ledroit Brands/Bourbon DC, “The Malt Bomb”
Pappy Van Winkle 23yr, SB.com Single Barrel #2, 2007
Posted in Old Rip Van Winkle
Tags: 2007, bourbon, old rip van winkle, pappy van winkle, stitzel weller
Tags: 2007, bourbon, old rip van winkle, pappy van winkle, stitzel weller
Rathskeller 24yr Rye, 2007
In 2007 the historic Seelbach hotel in downtown Louisville acquired a single barrel bourbon and rye for their hotel bar. A few bottles were sold through local stores too.
Pappy Van Winkle 23yr, KBS Single Barrel C, 2007
Posted in Old Rip Van Winkle
Tags: 2007, bourbon, old rip van winkle, pappy van winkle, stitzel weller
Tags: 2007, bourbon, old rip van winkle, pappy van winkle, stitzel weller
Speakeasy Select Bourbon, 2007
In 2007 the historic Seelbach hotel in downtown Louisville acquired a single barrel bourbon and rye for their hotel bar. A few bottles were sold through local stores too.
Rogin’s Choice 25yr Bourbon, 133.2pf, 2007
A very rare bottling done exclusively for Rogin’s Tavern in Osaka, Japan.
Willett 27yr, Barrel 473, 136.8pf, 2008
This barrel-proof Stitzel-Weller Willett bottled for Binny’s only produced 24 bottles!
Parker’s Heritage Collection #2, 27 yr – 2008
Posted in Parker's Heritage Collection
Tags: 2008, bourbon, heaven hill, parker's heritage collection
Tags: 2008, bourbon, heaven hill, parker's heritage collection
LeNell’s Red Hook Rye, Barrel 3, ~2008
137.6 proof, 23 year old, straight rye whiskey picked by LaNell Camancho Santa Ana while running her Brooklyn New York based package store. The 4 barrels that LaNell picked helped set the standard for the straight rye whiskey category that has become very popular. Each bottle is individually numbered, and only 192 bottles came out of the barrel. There are several reasons sited that make these single barrels unicorns of the bourbon community. They are barrel proof, non chill filtered, straight rye whiskey, and of course, picked by one of the best palates in whiskey.
Photos and commentary courtesy of Bourbon Benevolence.
Willett 24yr Rye 110pf, Bonilli Japan, 2008
Japanese importer Bonilli brought in two barrels of Willett’s 24 year old Bernheim rye. This one was bottled at 110 proof, and the other was bottled at 94 proof. Both are considered to be exceptional ryes, surpassed only by their barrel proof Willett brothers.
LeNell’s Red Hook Rye, Barrel 4, 2008
Brooklyn liquor store owner LeNell Smothers had four barrels of Bernheim rye bottled by Willett in the 2006-2008 years. This bottle is from the final barrel, #4.
Willett 25yr Rye, 94 Proof, 2008
Distilled 5/10/1983, “imported by 158023.” Originally bottled from Liquor World in Bardstown.
Pappy Van Winkle 15yr, Loch & Key Single Barrel, 2008
The Loch & Key single barrel was supposedly bottled using Ancient Age (aka Buffalo Trace) distillate.
Willett 24yr Rye, Glen Fahrn Barrel 14, 138.8pf, 2008
Distilled 4/10/1984, Selected for Glen Fahrn GmbH by Doug Phillips, and came with two different wax colors. Bottles 1-60 were black and the whiskey was unfiltered; bottles 61-218 were white and the whiskey was filtered.
A.H. Hirsch 16yr, 91pf, Humidor Bottle
In 2009 some of the remaining 16 year Hirsch bourbon was rebottled in hand blown glass bottles and packaged in a humidor case. This was the final bottling of the 16. Photos courtesy of Brian Daigle.
Parker’s Heritage Collection #3, Golden Anniversary – 2009
Posted in Parker's Heritage Collection
Tags: 2009, bourbon, heaven hill, parker's heritage collection
Tags: 2009, bourbon, heaven hill, parker's heritage collection
Four Roses Mariage 2009
The Mariage series, started in 2008, was the predecessor to the annual Small Batch Limted Edition. A small annual release, it’s a mingling of different recipes at barrel proof by master distiller Jim Rutledge.
