The Van Winkle Rye reportedly started as a single-source whiskey, rumored to be Medley distillate. The remaining whiskey stayed in the barrel year after year until it reached 19 years old, at which point it was tanked in stainless steel and mingled with Bernheim (Cream of Kentucky) rye. This bottle would have been 15-year old pre-tank rye with all Medley distillate. For more info see the Van Winkle timeline.