Every year around this time, bourbon lovers start paying extra attention to their local liquor stores and online alerts. The 2025 release of the Van Winkle collection is here, bringing with it the usual lineup of hard-to-find bottles that have folks lining up or refreshing their browsers. But this year's drop has an extra twist—a rare bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old that's hitting the auction block, stirring up memories of past hunts and the thrill of landing something truly special.
The Van Winkle name has been synonymous with top-shelf bourbon for generations, thanks to the family's dedication to crafting spirits that stand out in a crowded market. The whiskeys come from a partnership that's been going strong since 2002, when the Van Winkle family teamed up with Buffalo Trace Distillery to handle production and distribution. Before that, the magic happened at the old Stitzel-Weller Distillery, which shut its doors back in 1992. That history adds a layer of nostalgia for anyone who's been chasing these bottles over the years, knowing that some of the older expressions carry echoes of that original site.
Image credit: Van Winkle
This season's big news centers on that Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old, a whiskey that's earned its spot as the oldest ever released under the Van Winkle banner. It all started back in 1989 when the mash was distilled at Stitzel-Weller. Those barrels spent over a decade maturing there before making the move to Buffalo Trace in 2002. By 2014, the liquid was ready to be pulled from the wood and stored in a stainless-steel vat, waiting for its moment. The first release came in 2017, with just 710 individually numbered decanters crafted by Glencairn Crystal Studio—each one a collector's dream with hand-engraved details.
Not all of those 710 bottles saw the light of day right away. Buffalo Trace held back a few, and now one of them, bottle number 706, is stepping out from a temperature-controlled vault where it's been safely stored. The story goes that it was tucked away in the archives, almost like it was waiting to be rediscovered behind some other treasures. Whether that's the full tale or just a bit of distillery lore, it adds to the allure. This bottle is kicking off a new series of auctions on Sazerac's fresh platform, called Legacy de Forge, which aims to make it easier for enthusiasts to get their hands on the company's most sought-after spirits.
Bidding on this Old Rip Van Winkle 25 opened up recently and runs through September 24. It's not just about owning the bottle—the winner scores a private tasting session with Julian Van Winkle himself, a chance to sip and chat about the family legacy that's made these whiskeys legendary. Legacy de Forge isn't stopping at one item; there are eight lots total in this month's auctions, including rarities like O.F.C. from 2006, the fresh Colonel E.H. Taylor Distiller’s Council, and a special Stagg Single Barrel pick. It's a smart move by Sazerac to cut through the chaos of secondary markets and give fans a direct shot at these gems.
Shifting to the core of the 2025 Van Winkle collection, these are the bottles that show up annually and keep the buzz alive, even if snagging one requires some legwork. They're rolling out to retailers this month, and while the suggested retail prices are set, everyone knows the real challenge is finding them at those numbers. The Van Winkle family and Buffalo Trace make it clear they don't dictate what stores charge, so it's up to hunters to shop smart.
Starting with the entry point, the Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10 Year Old clocks in at a suggested $149.99. This one's got a profile that balances wheat notes with cherry, strong oak, and a touch of spice. The finish stretches out long and smoky, blending more oak with dark vanilla and a cozy warmth that lingers, making it a solid choice for evenings by the fire pit or sharing with buddies after a long day.
Next up is the Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12 Year Old, priced at $169.99. This expression leans bolder and woodier than some might expect, opening with honey, tobacco, and dark fruit aromas. On the tongue, it shifts to stone fruit and cocoa, offering a depth that's perfect for those who appreciate a whiskey that evolves in the glass over the course of an hour or two.
For rye fans, the Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old sits at $229.99. It's fruit-forward from the start, layering cocoa, white pepper, and vanilla with a strong hit of cherry and ripe stone fruits. This one stands out for its complexity, appealing to guys who've moved beyond basic bourbons and want something with a bit more kick to discuss over a poker game or a backyard barbecue.
Then there's the Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15 Year Old, often hailed as a standout in the lineup, with a suggested price of $239.99. It brings leather, oak, dark fruit, brown sugar, and cherry to the party, creating a rich palate that's smooth yet full of character. Many collectors point to this as the sweet spot where age adds wisdom without overwhelming the spirit's natural charm.
Pushing further into maturity, the Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old comes in at $359.99. Here, you're getting notes of citrus, vanilla, and juicy stone fruit, with subtle sherry hints peeking through. It's nearing the edge of what bourbon can handle in terms of aging, delivering a refined experience that's ideal for marking milestones or just unwinding after tackling a big project.
Finally, the crown jewel for many—the Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23 Year Old—at $499.99. Some say it's got too much oak influence, but others love the vanilla, honey, maple, and cherry combo, finished with a warming heat. This one's polarizing, which is part of what makes the Van Winkle world so engaging; it's not for everyone, but those who connect with it often build their collections around it.
Over the past decade, these whiskeys have sparked debates among bourbon enthusiasts. Some chase them to tick off a bucket-list pour, falling hard for the hype and flavor. Others sample them to solidify their own tastes, maybe deciding they're overrated or preferring something else entirely. Either way, getting that first taste is key, and it's what keeps the community talking.
One thing the Van Winkle family stresses is steering clear of the secondary market. Prices there have been dipping lately, with experts predicting more slides as the year goes on, but the risks aren't worth it. Scams are rampant on sites like Craigslist, eBay, and social media groups, often coming from overseas sellers. Buying from unauthorized spots can lead to fake bottles that might even be dangerous to drink, potentially causing real harm. The advice is straightforward: stick to licensed retailers, and if something seems off, don't touch it. Report any suspicions, but above all, protect yourself and your investment.
For those still hunting older releases, places like ReserveBar might have bottles from prior years, though expect to pay a premium that far exceeds the original suggestions. It's a reminder of how these whiskeys have become more than just drinks—they're pieces of a larger story, from the family heritage to the distillery transitions and the careful aging process.
As fall settles in and more releases hit the shelves—like the recent Birthday Bourbon or Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch—the Van Winkle collection remains a highlight. Whether you're bidding on that elusive Old Rip 25 or tracking down a 15-year for your shelf, it's about the pursuit, the stories shared, and that satisfying pour at the end of the day. In a world full of options, these bottles continue to hold a special place for those who value tradition and quality in their glass.
