Van Winkle 12 Year Old Special Reserve Lot B Bourbon is a sought-after Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey defined by its 12-year age statement and specific Lot B designation. This expression is noted for balancing extended aging with a moderate 90.4 proof, often described as achieving a harmonious profile.

The Special Reserve 12 Year Old holds historical significance within the Old Rip Van Winkle portfolio. Julian Van Winkle III first bottled this age statement in 1991 using 1979 vintage Stitzel-Weller bourbon stock for a release termed ‘Lot A’. The inaugural ‘Lot B’ followed the same year and has remained a core offering. The Old Rip Van Winkle brand itself dates back to pre-prohibition times, revived by the Van Winkle family after the sale of their Stitzel-Weller distillery. Julian Van Winkle II initially secured casks from the distillery’s new owners, Somerset Imports. His son, Julian III, later moved bottling operations to the Old Commonwealth facility in Lawrenceburg in 1983, continuing to source well-aged Stitzel-Weller barrels to establish the Pappy Van Winkle range in honor of his grandfather. While originally distilled at Stitzel-Weller, production for the Van Winkle line, including this 12 Year Old expression, now occurs at the Buffalo Trace Distillery.

The Van Winkle line is released annually and is subject to extremely limited availability, making it highly allocated.

• Origin: Kentucky, USA
• Producer: Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery (Sourced from Buffalo Trace)
• Age: 12 Years
• Proof: 90.4 Proof (45.2% ABV)
• Mashbill: Wheated Bourbon
• Availability: Highly Allocated / Annual Release

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