Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve, the flagship brand of bourbon whiskey, is produced by the “Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery” company. The distillery is not actually involved in the production process, but rather the bourbon is distilled and bottled by the Sazerac Company. The Sazerac Company operates the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, where Pappy Van Winkle’s bourbon is crafted.
The Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in the heart of bourbon country, has a rich history dating back to 1773. It is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States and has gained a reputation for producing high-quality bourbons. The distillery is known for its commitment to traditional bourbon-making techniques, including using locally sourced ingredients and aging the whiskey in charred oak barrels.
The partnership between the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and Buffalo Trace began in the late 1990s, when the Van Winkle family decided to revive their bourbon brand. At the time, the Van Winkle family did not have their own distillery, so they sought out a collaboration with Buffalo Trace. This partnership allowed them to continue producing their beloved Pappy Van Winkle’s bourbon using Buffalo Trace’s distilling expertise and facilities.
The process of making Pappy Van Winkle’s bourbon starts with the selection of the finest corn, barley, and rye grains, which are mashed and fermented. The mash is then distilled in copper stills, which helps to purify the spirit and enhance its flavor. After distillation, the bourbon is aged in charred oak barrels for an extended period of time, allowing it to develop its complex flavors and aromas.
One of the key factors that sets Pappy Van Winkle’s bourbon apart is its aging process. The bourbon is aged for a minimum of 15 years, with some expressions even reaching up to 23 years of age. This extensive aging gives the bourbon a smooth and mellow character, with rich flavors of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
As a bourbon enthusiast, I have had the pleasure of visiting the Buffalo Trace Distillery and witnessing firsthand the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into producing Pappy Van Winkle’s bourbon. The distillery is a beautiful and historic place, with picturesque warehouses filled with aging barrels of bourbon. It was truly a memorable experience to see the care and attention to detail that goes into each bottle of Pappy Van Winkle’s bourbon.
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve bourbon is made by the Sazerac Company at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. The partnership between the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and Buffalo Trace has allowed the Van Winkle family to continue producing their iconic bourbon using traditional methods and the expertise of Buffalo Trace’s distillers. The result is a bourbon that is highly sought after by whiskey enthusiasts around the world.