Pappy Van Winkle 2025 Whiskey Collection Arrives, Rare 25-Year-Old to Auction

The highly sought-after Van Winkle whiskey collection returns to the US market this September, featuring six bottles of varying ages. Notably, an exceptionally rare Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old, discovered at Buffalo Trace Distillery, will be up for auction at Legacy de Forge, commencing September 10th.

This year's collection includes a range of treasures such as Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old, Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old, Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year Old, 20 Year Old, and the most prized, 23 Year Old.

The Van Winkle family has upheld its bourbon-making traditions for generations. Preston Van Winkle, the fourth-generation inheritor, emphasized that each bottle represents years of dedication, meticulous aging processes, and profound respect for the family legacy. Despite escalating demand, the family remains committed to quality, ensuring their limited-edition whiskeys maintain their high standards.

The family consistently employs traditional wheated bourbon and rye whiskey recipes passed down through generations. All bottlings undergo extended aging at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky. The 2025 release marks a significant milestone in the family's over a century-long bourbon-making history.

Tasting notes for this year's series highlight the distinct flavors of each expression. The 10-year-old bourbon offers notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak, while the 23-year-old delivers rich caramel and cherry flavors with a long, warm finish.

Legacy de Forge will auction a rediscovered 25-year-old bottling as part of the National Bourbon Heritage Month events. This hand-engraved Glencairn crystal decanter, bottle number 706 out of 710, has remained unopened since its bottling in 2017 until its discovery at Buffalo Trace Distillery. The auction includes not only this significant whiskey but also an opportunity for a private tasting with Julian Van Winkle himself. This 25-year-old represents the oldest expression from the Old Rip Van Winkle brand to date.

Other rare items in the auction include select bottlings of O.F.C. 2006, Colonel E.H. Taylor Distiller’s Council, and Stagg Single Barrel. Bidding opened on September 10th at 10 AM ET and will conclude on September 24th.

The Van Winkle family advises consumers to be vigilant against potential scams when purchasing on the secondary market, recommending purchases only from authorized dealers to ensure authenticity and safety. Furthermore, manufacturer suggested retail prices are for reference only, with final pricing determined by individual retailers.

Due to extremely limited production, these treasures typically sell out quickly upon arrival at stores, bars, and restaurants nationwide. The collection continues to attract fervent interest from whiskey collectors and enthusiasts due to its exceptional quality and rarity.

Julian P. Van Winkle III, President of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, stated that those who follow this series understand it's not just about the whiskey itself, but what it symbolizes. This whiskey collection embodies family heritage and serves as a tribute to ancestors. This legacy, anticipation, shared stories during consumption, and appreciation for long aging contribute to the unique charm of each treasured bottle.

2025-09-11

Source: https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-news/pappy-van-winkle-2025-bourbon-collection-has-launched/