Beginning with the Fall 2011 release, Pappy Van Winkle 15 year old consists of bourbon distilled entirely at the Buffalo Trace distillery (as opposed to stocks from the old Stitzel-Weller distillery).
The nose on this is much oakier than the older Pappys. It's pleasant but pretty much a one-noter. The palate starts with a rich vanilla then fades to a more oaky, just slightly bitter vanilla, like the crust on a creme brulee. It's got a nice chewy mouthfeel that trails off into an oaky/vanilla finish.
This is a very good, very bold bourbon, very much like the Weller line (which makes sense given that it is the same mashbill and distillery), but it lacks some of the sweetness and complexity of the old Stitzel-Weller Pappys. [Fall 2011 Release]
2013 VW Vertical Tasting: The nose is right in my bourbon wheelhouse and actually reminds of old school Old Fitz and the better VW noses of year's past. Rich caramel and butterscotch along with some vanilla fill the air. After some time it is like I am in a field of wheat. The palatte dissapoints. Bitter wood overpowers with a bite on the back of my throat. A- (nose) / B (palatte). My favorite nose of the 2013 releases. [1/26/14]
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