Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old, New Charred Oak Cask, 2019, 53.5%

Julian P. " Pappy" Van Winkle Sr. truly was a wise man who kicked off a family of fine bourbon makers with his mantra to make the spirit "at a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always a fine bourbon". In 1893, he set out as a travelling salesman for W. L. Weller & Sons until eventually he and a friend saved up to purchase what would become known as the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. This wonderful bourbon is bottled as close to barrel proof as possible, with only a splash of Kentucky limestone well-water added after a decade of aging, resulting in a smooth and rich whiskey.