Whiskey collectors may have better luck securing rare aged Van Winkle bourbons this season, as the Kentucky distiller reports an unexpected surplus from their oldest barrels.
The 2024 collection, announced today from the company’s Frankfort headquarters, reveals higher-than-typical yields from both the 20 and 23-year-old expressions – bottles that typically prove nearly impossible to find at retail.
A Welcome Surprise
“There’s an incomparable feeling of joy that comes from finding a bottle of Pappy on the shelf,” says Julian Van Winkle III, president of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “This season, we’re excited that connoisseurs have a greater chance to enjoy our older expressions, thanks to an exceptional yield from these barrels.”
The increased output affects the two most prestigious bottles in the lineup: the 20-Year-Old ($319.99/£252.99) at 90.4 proof and the flagship 23-Year-Old ($449.99/£354.99) at 95.6 proof. These expressions are particularly notable for their rich, complex flavor profiles developed over decades of aging in Buffalo Trace’s warehouses.
Market Impact
Industry experts suggest this could temporarily ease the frenzied secondary market, where bottles regularly command prices ten times higher than retail. However, Buffalo Trace Distillery, which produces Van Winkle bourbons, emphasizes that all sales should occur through licensed retailers.
The full 2024 collection spans six expressions, starting with the 10-Year-Old ($129.99/£102.99) and including their distinctive 13-Year-Old Rye ($199.99/£157.99). Each bottle showcases the characteristic wheated bourbon recipe that made “Pappy” Van Winkle’s whiskey legendary among enthusiasts.
The increased yield comes at a time when American whiskey continues to see unprecedented demand. Market analysts suggest that while the surplus won’t completely satisfy the market’s appetite for Van Winkle products, it represents a significant opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts who have struggled to acquire these bottles at retail prices.
Consumer Advisory
The Van Winkle family emphasizes that neither they nor Buffalo Trace Distillery control retailer pricing. “Ultimately, the only legal and reputable source consumers should be buying from is a licensed retailer,” Van Winkle III states. “This is the safest, fool-proof way to ensure your bottle is not counterfeit.”
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Recent investigations have uncovered sophisticated counterfeiting operations targeting premium bourbon brands, with Van Winkle products being particularly vulnerable due to their high secondary market values. The company maintains a dedicated anti-counterfeiting team and works closely with law enforcement to protect consumers.
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