Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and Buffalo Trace Distillery announced the return of the Van Winkle Whiskey Collection. 

Renowned for its wheated recipe, the collection features six distinctive whiskeys. The wheated recipe results in a softer, smoother taste profile that has helped the bourbon become among the world’s most coveted. 

Complementing the bourbons, the collection’s 13-year-old rye whiskey offers a more subtle spice due to its lower rye content. Excitingly, this year’s release includes a surplus of 20-Year-Old and 23-Year-Old Family Reserve Bourbons.

“There’s an incomparable feeling of joy that comes from finding a bottle of Pappy on the shelf,” Julian Van Winkle III, brand president, said in a news release. “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 collection vintages are on shelves now in stores, bars and restaurants across the United States at varying retail prices. Due to the extended aging process, which results in significant evaporation and lower barrel yields, supply is limited.

The suggested retail prices for the limited-edition collection bottles are as follows:

• Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10-Year-Old (107 proof) – $129.99
• Old Rip Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12-Year-Old (90.4 proof) – $149.99
• Old Rip Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13-Year-Old (95.6 proof) – $199.99
• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15-Year-Old (107 proof) – $199.99
• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20-Year-Old (90.4 proof) – $319.99
• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23-Year-Old (95.6 proof) – $449.99

The Van Winkle family reminds fans that neither they nor Buffalo Trace Distillery control the prices individual retailers charge for the expressions. The best chance to find the products at a fair price is through lotteries offered by many retailers, where consumers can purchase bottles from the Collection at MSRP.

“Ultimately, the only legal and reputable source consumers should be buying from is a licensed retailer,” Van Winkle said. “This is the safest, foolproof way to ensure your bottle is not counterfeit.”

Whiskey fans increase their risks of purchasing phony bottles by purchasing from secondary markets and online sellers including Craigslist, eBay, and social media groups. Many alcohol scams take place overseas, and while rare in the United States, in some cases, consuming alcohol from outside the system can lead to bodily harm and even casualties.

Whiskey buyers who believe they have been scammed should not drink out of their bottle. They should also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, contact their State Attorney General’s office, and contact their credit card company about its fraud protection policies.

Read more: Buffalo Trace Releases 2024 Antique Collection

About Van Winkle Bourbon

The Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery has a four-generation history. The family’s involvement in the bourbon industry began in the late 1800s with Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr. His son, Julian, Jr. took over operations until he was forced by stockholders to sell the distillery in 1972. After selling the distillery, Julian Jr. resurrected a pre-Prohibition label, the only one to which the Van Winkles kept the rights. In 2002, the family entered into a joint venture with Buffalo Trace Distillery in Franklin County, Frankfort, Ky, joining the Van Winkle and Weller Bourbons again in one production house. All of the brand’s whiskey production now takes place at Buffalo Trace Distillery under the same strict guidelines the family has always followed. For more information, visit www.oldripvanwinkle.com.