"No Sicilian can refuse any request on his daughter's wedding day" Tom Hagen in The Godfather
Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon is one of those mythical whiskeys that you only hear about in stories. The 23-year-old version is the legendary one that even the others in the Pappy family look up too. Bottles of it go for well over $3,000 on the online marketplace or about 10x over its retail price. I have even seen empty bottles of 23 go for more than $200! The thought of me ever trying it was nothing more than a pipe dream. A fun fantasy of me pulling up to my mansion, getting out of my Ferrari, and pouring Lindsay and myself a glass of Pappy Van Winkle 23. Then her cousin's wedding happened.
When we arrived at the hotel/event center where everything was going to be held, Lindsay and I wandered around the venue a bit. Naturally, we gravitated towards the bar area. They had a huge selection of really nice whiskeys, but what really caught my attention was a locked glass case to the side of the bar. If I have learned anything in my short time with whiskey, it's that when there is a display case, the sweet nectar of the gods is just out of reach. I was not wrong. Inside the case were a few pictures of the venue in its early days, some awards it had won, and of course, its high-class alcohol selection. I was excited to maybe see some bottles that I had only read about. It is kind of like gawking at supercars. I may never own one but they are still exciting to see. Carefully gazing over each bottle my eyes finally landed on Pappy 15. I had never thought I would ever see any bottle of Pappy ever but yet here was a 15! As I turned to my right to Lindsay to let her know, my eyes continued to the bottle to the right of 15. On the label clear as day was Pappy Van Winkle 23. I was looking at this legendary whiskey that is so hard to find.
I quoted The Godfather at the beginning of this post because that line was so applicable. Lindsay's family is Italian and her uncle loves treating people. He consistently goes above and beyond to do something special for you. While he is really into wine he knew I was more into whiskey so after the rehearsal dinner of his daughter's wedding he invited me down to the bar. I graciously accepted because Lindsay was off with the bridal party and her uncle always told great stories. Plus I knew that would be more fun than hanging out alone in my room. I joined him at the bar and he greeted me with a big smile and hug. I could tell he was so excited for the wedding the next day.
I sat next to him and started looking over the vast alcohol menu. Like a modern-day Godfather, he knew everyone and everyone was always so excited to see him so it was no surprise that he was asking the bartender about his life and actually listening to the response. I had a sneaking suspicion that he was going to buy whatever drink I ordered so I focused on the whiskeys that I haven't tried yet but were still reasonably priced. Sure enough, he puts his hand on my shoulder and says to the bartender, "Get him whatever whiskey he wants!" The bartender smiled and asked what kind of whiskeys I liked and I asked for a Woodford Double Oaked. Lindsay's uncle looked at the bartender and asked him "Is that a good one? Is that a story?" The bartender laughed and said, "It's a nice whiskey but I don't know if I would write home about it". That was not the answer Lindsay's uncle was looking for because he shook his head and stated "That won't do. This is my daughter's wedding. He has to have a story!" The bartender smirked and looked at me. "If you want a story then there is always Pappy 23". I politely declined after just a brief moment of hesitation. A pour of it was more then I would spend on most bottles of whiskey, but I think the smile on my face and the pause gave me away. I have always been terrible at poker. Both the bartender and her uncle made up their minds and my opinion no longer mattered.
God bless good bartenders. He gave me a little heavier pour then I think he normally would have because he could tell I was genuinely excited and not jaded to something like this. Also, he asked if I wanted a picture with the bottle. As stoic and macho as I am I basically giggled and quickly agreed. I regret nothing. I need proof of this night. Before I took my first sip I called Lindsay. She had to try this. She was just stepping out of the shower and helping her cousin get ready for the big day tomorrow. Trying to surprise her I attempted to stay vague by just asking her to come to the bar, she said no. I said I had a whiskey she had to try, frustrated with me she said no a little more aggressive and reiterated she was helping her cousin with her WEDDING.
"It's Pappy 23."
"I'll be right down" and she hung up.
Moments later, Lindsay, with her hair still wet, sat at the bar with me and her uncle and sipped on our unicorn whiskey. You know the old saying, "Never met your heroes because you will only be disappointed?" Pappy 23 is the exception. It was fantastic. It was smooth and had a slightly sweet vanilla taste. It was also oaky and earthy in the best possible way. I am in no way a professional taster but it was incredible. I had built it up so much in my head and it did not disappoint. Is Pappy 23 the greatest whiskey ever? Who knows. Taste is very subjective. Maybe its rarity overhyped what's actually contained in the bottle. That could be true but I don't really care. I don't drink whiskey to meticulously calculate the worth of any individual bottle or brand. Pappy Van Winkle has a special aura around it. To me I like living in the legend, it makes life more fun. Whiskey is about experiences and moments. Getting my wife to leave the bride's side, to join me at a bar, and try such a special whiskey is a story Lindsay and I won't soon forget.
Pappy Van Winkle 23 is 95 proof was incredibly smooth. There was only a slight burn of alcohol in each sip. These are the listed notes but I don't always get all of these. I am curious to hear what you got.
Nose: Early aromas of caramel and cream with soft notes of oak, nuts, and leather.
Palate: Features a sweet taste composed of vanilla, maple, and honey joined by complimentary flavors of citrus and spice.
Finish: Has a long-lasting oaky finish, along with many of the early flavors.
I would HIGHLY recommend trying this if you were ever given the chance. I personally don't think it is worth the $3,000 price tag but I don't know how big your pocketbooks are. Neat is probably the best way to have it but as always drink it the way you will enjoy it most. Overall, I would definitely try Pappy Van Winkle 23 if you have an opportunity to try it. It is a bucket list whiskey for sure.
Comments