Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 Year Old, New Charred American Oak Cask, 2014, 45.2%

Caramel and vanilla give this bourbon an approachable starting point, while dried dark fruit and subtle coffee bring a darker side to the nose. The faint spices suit my preference for restraint. On the palate, buttery burnt caramel sits alongside toasted oak, with oiled leather and tobacco adding a firmer edge. That contrast interests me more than sweetness on its own, though the leather and tobacco could make it less immediately welcoming for someone after a softer bourbon. The long finish brings oak, cinnamon and butterscotch alongside its velvety leathery character. There’s plenty to engage with here, but those darker palate notes keep my enthusiasm measured rather than unreserved.

Reviewed by crumpledrambler

Nose

Rich caramel, Vanilla, Dried dark fruit, Subtle coffee, Faint spices

Palate

Buttery burnt caramel, Toasted oak, Oiled leather, Tobacco

Finish

Long and elegant, Velvety leathery, Oak, Cinnamon, Butterscotch