Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year

5 stars because it’s Pappy and because it’s tasty. Thanks to Big Jeff for a taste of this Forbidden Nectar. Honestly, this reminds me of Dickel 12 a little (I ain’t tryin to ruffle none of y’all feathers now, ya hear). Maybe it’s the coconut/cherry note. It’s definitely deeper and more nuanced than Dickel, but once I noticed the slight similarities, I can’t shake ‘em. It feels pretty astringent, and by that, I guess I mean that I can definitely taste the 2+ decades of oak. It’s not as woody as I wood’ve thought, but the vanillins and tannins have made their presence clear. It’s sweet, but still not as sweet as something like Woodford Double Oaked. The wheat in the mashbill adds a certain *funq, but it’s not as assertive as it is in Weller or Old Rip 10 year. There’s an oddly enjoyable denatured alcohol/ lacquer thinner note on the finish. Overall, I can understand why people tend to prefer the younger expressions. There are certain flavors and passing, ethereal whiffs which suggest that 23 years in the barrel is a bit too long for a spirit which seeks to express its Original Character unstifled by the leeching essence of the vessel in which it resides. Be that as it may, the particular flavors of this vessel are commendable in their own rights, and, though they may overshadow the Heart of the Grain which they are purposed merely to compliment, they do deserve recognition for their earnest performance in this olfactory dance.

Oak with vanilla extract and deep fruit syrup on the nose. The oak continues on the tongue with a mild licorice and leather taste lingering through the long finish. My last swallow reminded me of toasted caramel.

Way less wood than I was expecting for the age. Sweet and smooth.

Rye forward, liquorice flavor, sweet smell (brown sugar / maple)