Van Winkle Family Reserve 13 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml)

"...Top notch rye that deserves the praise it gets." - breakingbourbon.com

An increasingly rare release. According to Chuck Cowdery via Whiskey Advocate, the Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye has been a 50/50 combination of Medley and Cream of Kentucky rye whiskeys. It was put into steel tanks years ago and is being drawn down for each fall release. The mash bill is not stated. 47.8% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... A great improvement on the Winkle Rye of old. 94 points- Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2017

[Oct 2013 release]...If you see it buy it. This may be the hardest of the Van Winkle lineup to locate and sees lowest production of the bunch. ... It is great stuff. It’s really hard to find, and it’s something you won’t regret purchasing. If you’re lucky enough to find a bottle open and share it, don’t horde this one... Delicious and memorable. A perfect balance of spicy and sweet, youth and age. There’s something amazing happening here. It’s as if the master distiller knew exactly when to pull the barrel… which of course he did. You can taste the age, but it’s not overdone. You can taste the youthful elements, but they don’t overpower the age. It balances rye spice with bourbon-like sweetness to give us something that’s delicious and memorable. This is a top notch rye that deserves the praise it gets. - breakingbourbon.com

Notes from the producer... Nose: Good mint-toffee, rye aroma. Palate: Good viscosity. Sweetish. Spicy. Cinnamon. Nutmeg. Rich fruitcake. Finish: Cigar smoke. Very late soothing warmth. Comment: Certainly showing its age, but full of character. 47.8% Alc./Vol. 

85 points. - Michael Jackson, whiskymag.com