As the holidays roll in, there's something stirring in the heart of bourbon country that's got folks buzzing from coast to coast. Picture this: a chance to snag one of the rarest whiskeys on the planet without shelling out a fortune on the black market. It's the annual Kroger Pappy Van Winkle lottery, set to kick off this Saturday, December 20, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at handpicked Kroger Wine and Spirit Shoppes across Kentucky. If you've ever dreamed of adding a legendary bottle to your shelf—or just cracking one open for a special toast—this might be the road trip that caps off your year.
For those who've spent years chasing down premium spirits, the name Pappy Van Winkle rings like a victory bell. It's not just any bourbon; it's the stuff of legends, often called the "holy grail" among collectors. What sets it apart starts with the mash bill—a mix of corn, wheat, and barley instead of the usual corn, rye, and barley setup. That wheated recipe gives it a smoother, more refined profile that's tough to beat after years in the barrel. And speaking of years, these bottles age gracefully, with limited production runs that make them as elusive as a winning lottery ticket. We're talking batches so small that spotting one at retail feels like striking gold.
This year's drop is a big one, with 61 Kroger locations each getting at least 14 bottles from the Old Rip Van Winkle lineup. That adds up to more than 1,000 bottles statewide, covering a range of ages and proofs that cater to both newcomers dipping their toes into high-end bourbon and seasoned sippers looking to fill gaps in their collections. The lineup includes everything from approachable 10-year expressions to the ultra-coveted 23-year-old that's become synonymous with prestige.
Here's a breakdown of what's hitting the shelves:
- Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year, bottled at 107 proof, offering that bold kick perfect for a neat pour on a cold winter night.
- Old Rip Van Winkle 12 year, at 90.4 proof, balancing maturity with a gentler approachability.
- Old Rip Van Winkle 13 year, coming in at 95.6 proof, a step up in complexity for those who appreciate layered flavors.
- Pappy Van Winkle 15 year, also at 107 proof, where the wheat influence really shines through in notes of caramel and vanilla.
- Pappy Van Winkle 20 year, dialed back to 90.4 proof, delivering deep oak and subtle sweetness after two decades of rest.
- Pappy Van Winkle 23 year, at 95.6 proof, the crown jewel that's earned its mythical status through sheer scarcity and impeccable craftsmanship.
The thrill here isn't just in the variety—it's in the hunt. These aren't everyday shelf stockers; production is so limited that bottles like the Pappy 23 rarely show up outside of special events. On the secondary market, you're looking at prices soaring between $3,000 and $5,000 a pop, turning what should be a simple indulgence into a serious investment. But at this Kroger event, winners score them at retail, ranging from $149.99 for the younger ones up to $499.99 for the elders. That's a steal for something that could anchor your home bar or make an unforgettable gift for a fellow enthusiast.
The process is straightforward but adds to the excitement. Head to a participating store on December 20 during those evening hours to enter the drawing. Winners get pulled the next day, December 21, and can pick up their prizes starting December 22. It's first-come, first-served in terms of entry, so arriving early might give you an edge in the crowd. And with the holidays right around the corner, timing couldn't be better—imagine unwrapping one of these under the tree or sharing a dram during a family gathering.
If you're plotting a drive through the Bluegrass State, knowing where to go is key. Louisville leads the pack with a solid roster of spots, making it a prime hub for out-of-towners. Check out locations like the one at 2219 Holiday Manor Center, or swing by 2200 Brownsboro Road for easy access. Other Louisville standouts include 9812 Linn Station Road, 2440 Bardstown Road right in the heart of the action, and 3039 Breckenridge Lane for those coming from the east side. Further out, there's 5533 New Cut Road, 6900 Bardstown Road, and 5001 Mud Lane, each offering a shot at the goods without venturing too far off the beaten path.
Don't overlook the south and west ends—4501 Outer Loop, 9080 Taylorsville Road, and 9440 Brownsboro Road are all in play. For suburban vibes, hit up 12450 Lagrange Road or 12611 Taylorsville Road. Inner-city options like 3165 S. Second St. and 1265 Goss Ave. keep things convenient, while 9501 Westport Road and 10645 Dixie Highway cater to the northern crowd. Rounding out Louisville are 4915 Dixie Highway, 7509 Terry Road, 12501 Shelbyville Road, 291 N Hubbards Lane Suite 130, and 6745 Beulah Church Road—plenty of choices to fit any route.
Over in Lexington, the scene is just as lively. Start with 3098 Richmond Road or 4101 Tates Creek Centre Drive for central access. The spot at 150 W. Lowry Lane Suite 190 is ideal for quick stops, while 1808 Alexandria Drive and 3650 Boston Road cover the west and east sides. Hartland Parkway at 4750 offers a modern setup, and 1060 Chinoe Road is tucked away nicely. Don't miss 3175 Beaumont Centre Circle, 1600 Leestown Road, or the compact 704 E. Euclid Ave. for urban convenience.
Beyond the big cities, Kentucky's smaller towns are getting in on the action too. In La Grange, try 2034 S Highway 53 or 2835 KY-393. Prospect's got 5929 Timber Ridge Drive, while Shepherdsville boasts 185 Adam Shepherd Parkway—listed twice for good measure, emphasizing its draw. Bardstown, the bourbon capital itself, features 102 E. John Rowan Blvd. Brandenburg's 568 Bypass Road is a hidden gem, and Danville's 200 Skywatch Drive serves the central region.
Further afield, Elizabethtown's 3040 Dolphin Drive is worth the detour, as is Frankfort's 300 Brighton Park Blvd. Georgetown's 106 Marketplace Circle keeps things straightforward, and Madisonville's 545 Island Ford Road covers the west. Morehead at 300 Kroger Center Drive, Mount Sterling's 810 Indian Mound Drive, and Mount Washington's 234 Eastbrook Pointe Drive add to the mix. Middlesboro's 515 N 12th St. is down south, Nicholasville has two—967 S. Main St. and 200 E. Brannon Road—while Owensboro offers 1650 Starlight Drive and 2630 Frederica St.
Richmond's 890 Richmond Plaza is a solid pick, Russell Springs at 181 S. Highway 127 for lake country fans, and Shelbyville's 311 Boone Station Road. Somerset's 50 Stonegate Center, Versailles' 212 Kroger Way, and Winchester's 1661 Bypass Highway 1958 wrap up the list, ensuring no corner of the state is left out.
In a world where good bourbon is getting harder to find at fair prices, events like this remind us why Kentucky remains the epicenter of American whiskey culture. Whether you're a guy who's built a modest collection over the years or someone just starting to appreciate the nuances of a well-aged pour, this lottery represents more than bottles—it's about the stories they'll inspire, the toasts they'll fuel, and the memories they'll create. So gas up the truck, map out your stops, and head to the Bluegrass. Who knows? This could be the holiday where you finally land that elusive Pappy and raise a glass to lady luck.
