Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Bourbon (2019)
Specs
ABV: 47.8%
Age: 23 Years
Recipe: Unknown wheated bourbon mash
Distiller: Bernheim
Country/Region: USA/Kentucky
Price Paid (MSRP): $350 ($300)
Tasting Notes
Nose: Seasoned oak with minimal must, salted egg custard, lightly toasted marshmallow, cherries, vanilla cream, and cinnamon.
Palate: Thick mouth feel, intense drying oak, cocoa powder, cherries galore, cinnamon, red apples, walnuts, and more vanilla.
Finish: Medium to long length, cherry, vanilla, and dark chocolate with lingering oak spice. It’s especially tannic and drying but surprisingly no bitterness.
Rating: 91/100 – Incredible | An all time favorite
While not the mind blowing “face of God” bourbon that you would expect from its exorbitant secondary price, Pappy 23 is still an an awesome pour that showcases extra aged bourbon at its finest. The oak is intense, driving the tasting experience, and yet the bitterness of an over-oaked whiskey is missing. Dessert notes of custard, marshmallow, chocolate, and brandied cherry make for a rich and decadent affair. The finish is tannic and, while adequate, unfortunately fails to live up to the expectations set by the nose and palate. In the end, I doubt I’ll ever own another bottle of Pappy 23, but I’m thankful that I was I was able to experience this mythical bourbon.
