Pappy Van Winkle 23

Wow we have missed a lot of stories over the last two years. Life got in the way I guess.

 Demtri and I are going to be in New Orelanes in a couple weeks and are going to partake in Tales of the cocktail I am sure it is going to generate a story or two.

 For now I will post a review.

Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve is the flagship bourbon of the Sazerac company. It is extemely hard to get a hold of and when you do find it very expensive.

Imagine my surprise when my favorite neighborhood liquor store owner called me one Tuesday morning.

"Brian, get here quick I just got a Pappy shipment, I have a 23, 2 20 year old, 2 12 and 2 10s"

Being in the car already I raced over, the 20s were already sold but I bought the 23, a 12 and a 10. He called me later to let me know he was completely out within 30 minutes of the shipment.

On to the tasting. It can best be described in one word:

WOW!!!

I normally enjoy my bourbon with a single cube of ice so in my initial taste test I did just that. I immediatly could tell something was missing. I poured a 2nd glass neat so I could do a comparison.

I was right - the ice had instantly muted the taste and dulled the flavor a little. The neat serving was perfect it has that rich carmel and oak flavor with just a hint of sweetness.

While the price is pretty high and the bottles are tough to find, if you do get the opportunity to get one run out and do it.