Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Bourbon (107 Proof)

I had a few bottles set aside for special events. I had a major occasion to mark the completion of my MBA in December, so I opened this bottle along with a BTAC GTS. I found both at Walmart in 2020 at their original prices. Yes, Walmart. Yes, retail. Since I paid retail and not inflated secondary market prices, my expectations were based on the actual contents, not on a hyped-up bottle I overpaid for. So, here we go. Upon first sniff, I detect the typical Buffalo Trace/Weller aroma. In my view, it's quite apparent compared to other brands; they all strike me as smelling identical. Therefore, if you enjoy BT products, you will likely appreciate this one's scent. I poured a generous serving for myself and my companion, with whom I share everything. We raised our glasses, and I offered them a taste. The initial reaction was, "Hmm, this is like Weller 107 but smoother." Not that W107 is harsh, but this tasted a bit more polished. After a few more sips, my friend and I realized we had consumed a quarter of the bottle without noticing. It's excellent stuff. Is it worth $700-900? Absolutely not. I paid $80 and might consider paying $100, but that's my limit. Perhaps if I came across one for $200, I'd contemplate it, mainly because I know it would be tough to find another at that price, but it's definitely not a $700-900 bottle, sorry to the enthusiasts. Apologies for the lengthy post, but this was good, very good, just not worth the insane secondary market prices. 1/28/23

Had this bottle since 2017, having acquired it through a lottery win for $87. It was certainly time to try it with friends. Consumed neat. Exhibits a deep rosy brown hue with substantial legs clinging to the glass. The aroma presents vanilla, fragrant citrus, and honey, underscored by a subtle dry grain scent. On the palate, an immediate sweetness emerges – brown sugar and maple syrup – followed by vanilla and astringent oak. Hints of spicy grass and ethanol are also present. The texture is rich and oily, transitioning to dryness in the finish. The conclusion is spicy, sweet-and-sour, and dry, leaving a lingering tingle that fades slowly and sweetly. It's smooth and gentle yet possesses a pleasant ethanol and spice kick. Sweetness is prominent, perhaps excessive initially, but it mellows with more consumption. An ice cube helps to balance the sweet, tannic, and ethanol characteristics. There's considerable discussion surrounding this particular brand, its scarcity, and inflated secondary market pricing. It's a wheated bourbon that is quite good, but its enjoyment is complicated by the surrounding hype. I sampled the Van Winkle 12 year with a companion recently, but the setting wasn't conducive to focused tasting. My recollection suggests that expression was perhaps a more harmonious blend of its components, but that doesn't detract from this 10-year-old. I'll continue to explore and contemplate this (as I do with all bottles) and may revise my opinion later.

Nose: Maple Syrup, Honey, Oak, Cinnamon, Blood Orange, Vanilla, Corn Sweetness. Palate: Caramel, Sweet Cereal Grain, Fig Newton, Lemon Confit, Pastry Bread, Brown Sugar, Raisin, Hints of a Bitter Oak Finish. I've been surprised twice now by the Buffalo Trace distillers, I think this whiskey does really live up to the hype. Old Rip presents the drinker with flavors you will rarely ever get in whiskey, especially in bourbon, and its all thanks to that wheat they sneak into the mash. Sweet bready notes, dark dried fruits, jam, and amazing notes of granular sweetness as well. If you ever have a chance to try this whiskey, go for it (if the price is right). I got a small sample bottle from a co worker who won the lottery at our local Total Wine, and I am so grateful to have been able to try this whiskey for free. It is worth it if you can get it around msrp give or take $50. I am pleased and surprised by the quality of this whiskey, get one if you can.

Nose: Essentially just high corn mash bill bourbon. Vanilla, cinnamon, perhaps caramel. Palate: Smooth bourbon, but honestly no exceptional flavors. Drinks as if it were well below 107 proof. DO NOT add water or ice. Finish: It's like Weller 107 with a few additional years. Oakier and smoother, but not worth the secondary market price for a full bottle. I'm giving it 4.25 not because it's bad, but because it's not worth what you'll end up paying for it.

The aroma includes Red Hots, wheat, wood, charcoal, burnt caramel, vanilla, green herbs, and soy sauce. The palate is quite smooth with wood, char, wheat, vanilla, and black pepper. It has a long, spicy, peppery finish. This is more engaging, more layered, and superior to the 20-year version. I only mention this regarding the excessive anticipation these releases often generate. A friend was also mentioned.

This is a pleasant whiskey – smooth, full-bodied, and intricate – but I question its value for the cost. I detect notes of toffee, butterscotch, vanilla, and a subtle nuttiness. The finish is quite spicy with lingering cinnamon, akin to tasting a Red Hot candy, almost too intense for my preference.