The highly sought-after Van Winkle whiskey collection returns to U.S. shelves this September with six expressions ranging from $149.99 to $499.99.
A rare bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old discovered at Buffalo Trace Distillery will be auctioned through Legacy de Forge starting September 10th.
The annual release includes Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old at $149.99, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old at $169.99, Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old at $229.99, Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year Old at $239.99, 20 Year Old at $359.99, and 23 Year Old at $499.99.
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READ THE STORYVan Winkle Family Continues Bourbon Legacy
Preston Van Winkle, fourth-generation family member, emphasized the careful process behind each release. “As always, each release represents years of quiet work, careful aging and a deep respect for the legacy we carry forward,” he said. The family maintains its commitment to quality despite growing demand for the limited bottles.
The wheated bourbon and rye whiskey recipes have remained consistent across generations. Each expression undergoes extended aging at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky. The 2025 release marks another chapter in the family’s bourbon-making tradition that spans more than a century.
Tasting notes for this year’s collection reveal distinct characteristics across the range. The 10-year-old bourbon offers vanilla and caramel notes with smoky oak. The 23-year-old expression delivers bold caramel and cherry flavors with a long, warming finish.
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Pappy Van Winkle Auction Features Historic Discovery
Legacy de Forge will auction a rediscovered 25-year-old bottle as part of its National Bourbon Heritage Month series. The hand-engraved Glencairn crystal decanter, numbered 706 of 710 produced, remained untouched at Buffalo Trace Distillery since it was bottled in 2017. The auction includes a private tasting with Julian Van Winkle. The 25-year-old bourbon represents the oldest whiskey ever released under the Old Rip Van Winkle brand.
Additional auction lots feature O.F.C. 2006, Colonel E.H. Taylor Distiller’s Council, and a Stagg Single Barrel selection. Bidding opened at 10:00 a.m. ET on September 10th and closes September 24th.
The Van Winkle family warns consumers about potential scams when purchasing through secondary markets. They recommend buying only from licensed retailers to ensure authenticity and safety. Retail prices are suggestions only, as individual stores control final pricing.
The limited quantities typically sell out quickly once distributed to stores, bars, and restaurants nationwide. The collection’s reputation for quality and scarcity continues to drive demand among whiskey collectors and enthusiasts.
Speaking about the 2025 collection, Julian P. Van Winkle III, President of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, said: “Those who follow this release year after year know it’s not just about whiskey, but about what it represents. This whiskey collection is a reflection of our family’s legacy and a tribute to the generations who came before us. The legacy, combined with anticipation, the stories shared over a pour, the appreciation for extended aging – that is what makes each release so special.”
