A Poor Man’s Pappy Van Winkle is essentially a blend of two bourbons from the W.L. Weller distillery. For those who may not be familiar, Pappy Van Winkle is a highly sought-after and expensive bourbon brand known for its exceptional quality and limited availability. However, not everyone can afford or find a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle, hence the creation of the Poor Man’s Pappy.
To create a Poor Man’s Pappy Van Winkle, you will need two specific bourbons from the W.L. Weller distillery: W.L. Weller Antique and W.L. Weller 12 Year. These two bourbons have their own unique characteristics and flavors, but when combined, they aim to emulate the taste profile of the highly coveted Pappy Van Winkle.
The recipe for a Poor Man’s Pappy typically calls for a blend of 60% W.L. Weller Antique and 40% W.L. Weller 12 Year. W.L. Weller Antique has a higher proof at 107 (53.5% ABV) and brings a bolder and spicier flavor profile to the blend. On the other hand, W.L. Weller 12 Year has a lower proof at 90 (45% ABV) and contributes a smoother and more mellow character.
By mixing these two bourbons in the specified proportions, you can create a bourbon that closely resembles the flavors and qualities of Pappy Van Winkle, albeit at a fraction of the cost. The higher proof of Weller Antique adds a kick of intensity, while the smoothness of Weller 12 Year helps to balance out the blend.
It’s important to note that the Poor Man’s Pappy is not an official or endorsed product from the Pappy Van Winkle distillery. Instead, it is a creative way for bourbon enthusiasts to try and capture some of the magic of Pappy Van Winkle without breaking the bank or hunting down an elusive bottle.
Creating a Poor Man’s Pappy can be a fun and rewarding experience for bourbon enthusiasts. It allows you to experiment with blending different bourbons and tailor the flavor to your personal preferences. While it may not be an exact replica of Pappy Van Winkle, many people find that the Poor Man’s version comes pretty close and offers an enjoyable drinking experience.
So, if you’re a bourbon lover on a budget or simply can’t get your hands on a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle, give the Poor Man’s Pappy a try. It’s a creative and accessible way to experience some of the flavors and qualities that make Pappy Van Winkle so highly regarded in the bourbon world. Cheers!