Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year

**This is a review of the 2022 release. Nose- Apples, cooked peaches, and dark fruits. Vanilla, caramel, and oak complete a wonderfully classic bourbon aroma. It's not the absolute best nose I've ever encountered, but it's definitely in the top tier. Palate- The taste is rich. Vanilla bean and candied apple are the initial flavors, followed by a touch of oak in the middle with just a hint of allspice. The taste evolves into darker fruit notes as it concludes. The texture is well-balanced—not overly slick, but with a lovely richness suggesting some age. Finish- This is where the Pappy 15 truly stands out. It's long-lasting without any palate burn, even at 107 proof! This is a dangerously smooth sipping whiskey, a bottle you’ll want to enjoy slowly from beginning to end. I've been fortunate to have had a bottle for the past three years. Among all the Pappy bourbons I've sampled (Old Rip, Lot B, 15, 20, and 23 yr.), Pappy Van Winkle 15 is the one I value most. It achieves the ideal balance, avoiding the excessive oak found in the 20 and 23-year expressions, which can be overwhelming, and maintaining the perfect proof (107) that needs no adjustment. Is it the ultimate bourbon I've ever tasted? In short, no. But is it among those exceptionally special treats? Absolutely!

A note upfront: this is the final serving from a bottle I've had for the last five or six years. I probably let it sit too long in the bottle, and the flavors have faded as a result. I'm finishing it as part of my birthday tastings and documenting it, as I likely won't have a taste of this for a considerable time. On the nose, I detect the sweet caramel or vanilla that I favor in this. A touch of oak follows behind it. The flavor upon the initial sip is oak-forward, but the sweetness emerges behind it. However, it concludes with a mineral taste. The finish is pleasant, yet it carries the mineral taste into the next sip. Overall, I may be blending my personal preference for this with how this final pour tastes. I recognize that what I'm tasting today is less flavorful and sweet than I recall. But considering all that, is it worth the secondary market price? No. Is it worth the MSRP? Yes. I believe if this were a fresh pour, I'd rate it five stars. But perhaps my palate is changing, I'm not sure.

It's hard to imagine anything tasting better. The flavor profile was quite straightforward: imagine a cinnamon-dusted pancake soaked in maple syrup in a glass, with a lovely tingling sensation on the finish that lasted a couple of minutes. The liquid had a wonderfully thick, coating texture. Even at 107 proof, my friends who are new to bourbon could drink it neat without any issue. While others have noted fruit flavors, I couldn't detect any beneath the dominant maple notes, and that's not a criticism. This lived up to the anticipation, especially since I was fortunate to try it without paying the high price. Truly special and one of the most memorable drinks I've ever had.

Nose: An explosion of cherry and vanilla! The moderate proof is consistent with another known bourbon, but this expression is vastly superior. Incredibly clean and pleasant aroma. Also detects oak-infused cherry, a classic bourbon scent, but exceptionally enjoyable. Palate: Extremely velvety with abundant cherry and baking spice. The baking spice is nicely complemented by a vanilla pastry note. A second tasting reveals bright berries, leather, and oak, with a velvety texture. Finish: Abundant vanilla, cherry, and baking spice linger. It leaves a pleasant sensation and taste in the mouth.

This reminded me of a more aged version of another popular wheated bourbon, but with an incredibly long finish. It's a bit one-dimensional, featuring a strong cinnamon blast initially that mellows into a sweet wheated profile. However, the finish is where this dram truly excels, offering the longest finish I've experienced with a bourbon. It's worth a taste, but I'm not sure I'd go to great lengths to find it, especially at inflated secondary market prices.

A privilege to finally sample. Assuming it's from 2023, the balance and quality were remarkable; subtly spiced, with abundant caramel, vanilla, and oak barrel notes. It expertly navigates the line between perfect harmony and overwhelming presence. Hints of toasted marshmallow and toffee add further depth, truly justifying the buzz around this spirit.