Is this $2,500 Pappy Van Winkle bourbon WORTH the money?

[@Brewzle]

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[@Brewzle]

FYI: We are getting a lot of spam/scam bots replying and trying to get people to send them money claiming they won something. Don't fall for this crap.

[@Frozen-Spirits-Alaska]

We never win anything, so we know better than this.

[@BlackBourbonFamily]

The craziness of scammers…

[@ErnestStevenson-bo3nk]

I receive those on every video on which I comment. 😡

[@thewitt76]

I just report them as spam and usually KZbin takes care of them

[@Gays4Trump]

The answer is nope, pappy is not worth it! I enjoy so many other bourbons more.

[@BA99253]

Keep the blind system! Really evens out the playing field.

[@Brewzle]

Thank you!

[@JR2387]

Seems like all he does is change his shirt so you think he's blind tasting. Not fooling me.

[@Kyle-ft6vt]

@@JR2387 you’ve commented this a couple times, not fooling you but you still watching lol. 🤡

[@TimmyThomas1532]

I don't buy any bourbon influencers with their blinds. He likely is pretending that he doesn't know what he is tasting. Peoples egos are too big.

[@brettwolk6640]

I dont think the systems broken, i dont think we should let the name of the whiskey take away from rating it fairly. Ive never tried it, its most likely an amazing product, but at $2000 and if the oakiness is really as overpowering as you say, then so be it. The scoring system is turning out to be more of a value system, which isnt a bad thing. Ill take the thing that is available and affordable but not as good tasting over something like this that is over priced despite it being a better whiskey.

[@mhedden033]

I agree with this, as is the current system is more of a value rating than purely juice rating. But you have all the inputs needed if you wanted to create a secondary list constructed from an equation which omits value/availability and adds some weight to the other categories.

[@Vortex1988]

I've had Pappy 15 at a bar before, and it's not good. The flavor profile is bitter oak and bubblegum. I'd rather be drinking Four Roses Single Barrel.

[@tonifleischmann704]

It can’t even be that good it’s all hype that has it priced at what it is, remember is wasn’t always hard to find a super expensive. A lot of times people tell themselves they love the taste of something or that it’s good even if it’s not.

[@jonmurraymurray5512]

I bought a Balvenie. 14 year and week of peat. $160 dollars. Very oaky that resolved into a smoky butterscotch finish. Will buy another one when I can justify the cost.

[@Vergos001]

It drinks like a $200 bourbon, which is what I got it for. Delicious

[@marks4471]

Your #2 is Four Roses Single Barrel, which is like $45! I don't care if PVW is liquid gold.....I'd rather buy an ounce of pure gold and still save $500!

[@scottstevens4633]

I was lucky enough to meet Julian van Winkle, at the very first whisky live, held in 2001. A decade later I met his son Preston at another whisky live event.

[@Brewzle]

That's awesome

[@mikeries8549]

I met the pope and he told me that you're lyin.

[@Ryan-re1rs]

​@mikeries8549 why would he lie about that?

[@bunsguns8222]

​@@Ryan-re1rswhy don't you have a sense of humor?

[@karlfowler3742]

@@mikeries8549 Ewe have no clue what someone else's experiences are. Just because your Marxist Democrat friends lie all the time doesn't mean everyone does.

[@NOTanOPERATOR208]

I’m 40 and have never tried whiskey but I really like watching this guy. Gain knowledge by and can understand some lingo now.

[@JesterNoNamer]

Availability score is low because you can't find it commonly at MSRP. Value, then, could be based purely off MSRP, as secondary market prices are, typically, going to be reflected in whiskeys with low Availability scores. Just my 2 cents. Loved the review.

[@Brewzle]

Thank you! Those are some good points

[@kylewipert11]

Totally agree!

[@aecpdude]

Please consider availability ranking as purchasing on a primary market. Just because you can buy it for $2k on seco dary doesnt make it available. Any bottle could be a 100 on availability if you can purchase it for any prodigious price on secondary with the logic you are using. Love your reviews though!

[@brynwest4495]

Fun fact: Wright Thompson who wrote the book pappyland mentioned that Julian senior drank pappy on the rocks with a twist of lemon

[@RedSoxFanatic4Life]

I have no doubt that Pappy Van Winkle 15 is an incredible bourbon, but I could never justify paying $2,000 or more for a bottle when Weller Antique 107 is available for less than $200. Secondary market prices for some bottles are completely crazy, in my opinion. To be honest, I’m perfectly happy with Maker’s Mark No. 46 for $40.

[@jeffboone7553]

Makers is good enough for me. don't wanna be thought of as uppety.

[@connor9930]

I can find bottles for a few hundred her but being in Frankfort helps

[@tracycc123]

Same

[@tracycc123]

@@jeffboone7553 Same.

[@garmin1488]

Weller Antique 107 is less than$200? how much do you pay for a Weller 107?

[@gregscavuzzo5457]

I was working at Berbiglia Liquors in Kansas City and I had a customer bring in the full line of Pappy and a William Larue Weller and let me try them, he wanted me to take them home and try them overnight but I didn't want the responsibility, so we tasted them at the store, I thought the William Larue Weller was the best, after we tasted them he gave me a new bottle of 20 year old Pappy, he was a great guy, he always brought me sample bottles of hard to get whiskey

[@joeschmeaux]

Old RIp Van Winkle used to cost $14.97 in the late 80's-early 90's at Jackson's in Lafayette, CA. Makes me feel old.

[@Tommy.OrginalvideosPhilly]

yup crazy

[@reevinriggin3570]

You didn't break it. I think you are about right on the money. HECK, you hit the Pappy 15 from just tasting and nosing it!!! That's amazing. You may be able to compete with Matt from ADHD Whiskey as worlds best whiskey taster! In all seriousness, I think the score was right. Thanks Brewzle that was a fun ride, as I live vicariously through you, because I doubt I will ever want to spend enough to be able to get my own Pappy.

Bro if you think brewzle is on Matt's level you are delirious bud. They're not even same ballpark

[@WoodyBikes]

Fun fact: All Van Winkle starts out as a Weller. Only after the tasting is a barrel christened a Van Winkle if it fits the taste profile.

[@Tommy.OrginalvideosPhilly]

yes

[@kobaltics]

I think the rating system is pretty good, and, if anything, you could lower the percentage of the availability. Scoring it solely on the whiskey itself (i.e. removing availability score entirely) may have some merit to it, but I don't think it's necessary. I opened up your Barrell Bourbon barrel pick, and it was fantastic! I hope you're able to keep doing barrel picks. That's a really cool thing to do!

[@danalawrence4473]

I once had a bottle of the PVW 15yo, and quite enjoyed it, but have to note that this was before it all exploded. As it became harder to find and more of a collector bourbon, the cost began to outweigh the actual taste, notably for the 20yo. I cannot under any circumstances justify paying 2 grand for a bottle of bourbon when so much great bourbon is out there at reasoned and reasonable cost. BTW, I am truly impressed you could tell it was a Weller from the get-go!

[@douglashood3940]

As a native Louisvillian, I am impressed that you have nailed the native pronunciation of my hometown. I am a new subscriber and have really enjoyed your channel so far. Keep up the great work.

[@waynejohnstone3685]

I had the Pappy 12 in Banff a couple weeks ago. I’m a bourbon amateur however leaning more towards bourbon over other whiskeys. Might be some confirmation bias but the Pappy 12 was really the best I’ve had - it was great!

[@marcusaho3548]

Weller 12? no such thing as pappy 12

[@diegoayala9586]

@@marcusaho3548nah they make a 12 year.

[@cvn6555]

Keep an eye for anything by Orphan Barrel.

[@gregphillips8299]

@@marcusaho3548 van winkle lot b 12 years old

[@irwin-hirsh]

Don't drink this stuff but love the second-hand experience and your enthusiasm

[@markemenecker5656]

my Pappy was 160 OTD. nice review. Friggin nailed it in the blind

[@littledraco9]

I recently got to try a Pappy flight at a speakeasy in Chicago for a reasonable price. They offered the Old RIP Van Winkle 10-year 107 proof, the Van Winkle 12-year special reserve, and the Pappy Van Winkle 15 family reserve all for $57. The 12 was probably my favorite of the 3 but I can definitely say none of them were worth the $1k-$2300 plus price tag on the bottle. For the price the tasting was worth it to find that information out.

[@abcdefghijkl5408]

Can you share the place? I'm in chicago and would love to try it

[@mmr9876]

Without knowing for sure, I’d bet it was Violet Hour

[@Maxwell-ty3bf]

The msrp is $150.

[@brianfletcher3404]

Crazy, I'm a 39 year old traveling welder from Conway Arkansas. My company is Located in Louisville, just built a 28 k gallons storage tank in Bardstown, the job before Was Danville, Kentucky. All places when you read off the bottle

[@pman3226]

A nice high proof and natural dark color.... those are indications of greatness. Would love to try this some day.

[@LeatherDaddy97]

Ive only had the 23. Hated it.

[@willcresson8776]

Almost nine years ago to the day (4/17/2014), I hunted down a pour of Pappy for my 21st birthday. I got one of the middle-aged ones at 10 years, iirc. Cost me $125 for a double in Washington DC. It's absolutely the best bourbon I've ever tried, I get the hype... but I do not get the price tag. I didn't get it then, I don't get it now. I've seen how the price has risen ever more exponentially, as well. There are other bourbons that are damn near as good that can be had for much, much less. Pappy has become a bourbon collector status symbol, which is ironic because if you hear old timers talk about it, they talk of the days when Pappy was the best $75-$150 whiskey money could buy. It used to be top shelf, but not prohibitively expensive. Guess the secret got out.

[@tedlambert12]

Lol you're one of those guys

[@BrendanGregg-uh4lw]

@@tedlambert12?

[@trythinking6676]

I bought a bottle of Laceny. Nothing special but it was a good sipper. Bought a Michers straight Rye and will again. I love the taste of rye whiskey.

[@PrinceAsmodeus]

I've only had the white label pappy. It deserves it reputation.

[@zachrichardson8059]

I think a guess after the tasting and before finding out what it is would be fun. The guess wouldn't skew anything because it would be after the tasting.

[@CrazyDude2001]

Had a chance to try it. Honestly it’s a Wheated whiskey with oak, which if it were another whiskey, most people would despise. The pappy series as a decent value is worth it. But the hype is really a stature. If you purchased a bottle at that 2K markup. Then is a stature thing.

[@ericlarsen8401]

Great video! I really enjoy your scoring system. Why do points have to be in 5 pt increments?

[@hoobeydoobey1267]

I've had Pappy and enjoyed it alongside a Weller back in 03 when you could buy them. Good bourbon. Lots of good bourbon on the shelves today.

[@martinschwartz6452]

I'm old enough to have had the pleasure of drinking 3 different bottles of Pappy 15 back when they were $65-$75 a bottle. Although Buffalo Trace is making an excellent version of Pappy, the bottle I had that was 100% Stitzel-Weller juice was absolutely the best. The same goes for Old Weller 107. Around 1978 it was $19/bottle and better than any bourbon I had ever tasted back then and right up there with the Pappy 15 I bought in '97.

[@markdarragh6620]

PVW15 is around $1800 now and a damn good pour. But the 12 year Lot B is the sweet spot for Pappy at about half the price. Skip the 20 & 23 year expressions. They don’t live up to the hype nor the price. And if you like the 12 & 15, give Weller SiB a shot. At $600 for a bottle, it’s a damn fine pour.

[@char23c]

Found your channel a few days ago and like your video's . I live in OK and have two questions, 1. saw your pic on the small distillery in Vian, MS. how and where could I get a few bottles of their bourbon? 2. years ago I purchased 2 bottles of the 15 year old Pappy Van Winkle and 1 bottle of the 23 year old. I still have one bottle of the 15 year old, unopened and in the red sock. Is it really selling to $2k on the second market?

[@remopiccioni9456]

I really like that you sample these blindly. So your reviews are not skewed.

[@bigjoes.1545]

Might want to weight availability and value a little less but I’m pretty happy with the system so far. There are bound to be some upsets in the future but that’s ok. You could have two scores as well. One taking into account value and availability and one exempting those values to let the unicorns shine.

[@Brewzle]

I'm going to drop it from the rating/ranking but keep it on the board.

[@bigjoes.1545]

@@Brewzle I like that. It’s important to keep in mind but should not affect the actual score of the whiskey. Also I know you’re mostly a bourbon guy but if you could do some Whistle Pig, Dads Hat, or Wigle Ryes that would be great. Wigle does make bourbons as well.

[@dragonboy141]

Tried them all personally thought 23 year was King. But of the other people I did the blind with the 15 was the easily the winner. It was certainly great, my #2 in the blind. What can I say I’m a sucker for Oakiness

[@jordybeans2392]

Available at Baron’s Markets in San Diego area.

[@richland01]

Antique 107 is my favorite Weller

[@SeeinHyrule]

The MSRPs are insanely fair for Van Winkle compared to what it goes for on secondary. I'll probably never get to try it because even bars are selling shots for 70+ for the 10 year and I don't make enough to do that even for a special occasion

[@deangood6682]

I agree once you get past 12 years its usually to much oak for me. but I will probably never try pappy due to unrealistic prices

[@robertoesposito8408]

I literally do not drink often at ALL. But Im a subscriber. I follow Doug Demuro for the same reason. I'm not really into cars but I subscribed and continually look forward to his content. I feel the same sincerity and authenticity with you and your channel. Keep it up Brewzle!

[@JustCmonSense]

I tried the Pappy 10 last week and it was AMAZING. How can one get it under $400? Just can't seem to find the way..

[@Cozmo2k4]

I tried it blind, if you know what it is when you drink it, the hype brings it up, its weird. Remus repeal IV ranked the top on my blind test, pappy 15 was 4th.

[@SuperDwight15]

That is so true.

[@LilyandGal]

I only drink on a Friday and it's Friday night. Don't have a Pappy or a Weller, the only BT wheated I have is a Kosher Wheat so we'll go with that. Cheers.

[@robinhoodlum7180]

is weller and pappy made in the same place ? i heard they barrel pappy up top and something else below ..idk

[@gothamcitydoc]

Thanks!

[@ABlindHilbily]

I'll be honest.....I don't have the nose or palate to find the nuance between $100 bourbon and $2500. I'll stick with Woodford Reserve double oaked because that's my favorite. To those that can, I salute you.

[@leahwhiteley5164]

I agree with your assessment. I like my bottle of Pappy 15.

[@Murzington]

System seems to be working. You shouldn't let the hype of the product affect you trust in the system. The system is allowing you to fairly judge a bottle and I think the value portion is quite fair.

[@genelee8543]

I was gifted a 15 yr Pappy from my daughter and have compared it to Blantons, William Larue Weller, and others in my modest assortment of Bourbons and it’s far and away my favorite, was it worth what she paid for it? NO… but it’s imho a fantastic sipper and if you have the means and it won’t force you to get a second mortgage I highly recommend buying one.

[@An_Enraged_Pig]

I had a whiskey that was priced that much and it was the most amazing thing I have ever tasted

[@keiskay]

I do like the current system more but feel like availability should be its own separate score in the review.

[@ProbusVerus]

Great review never tried it this one but it sounds I wouldn't like the oakiness as well. I just prefer the Four Roses.

[@Brewzle]

Thanks for watching!

[@Harry_Bahlzanya]

I have a bottle of Weller and it's so hard to get because of resellers it's 27$ in Oregon 😹😹😹 I can't imagine how hard pappy is to get

[@morrisdennis]

Redemption is hard 2 beat imo

[@christianslater8980]

I haven’t had the 15 but I have had the 23 and it was pretty damn good but it also costs a lot more! They are really good but I actually prefer the George T Stagg.

[@CT99999]

Love your videos! Very engaging! Btw, just to try to help out, I'll mention that @ 7:52 it sounded like you said "the next *criterium*". Is that what you said? If so, the word is typically "criteria" (in plural form), but the singular form (if you're just referring to 1 specific criteria) is "criteria". Criterium isn't a word. Just trying to help!

[@brianafrojack5215]

I finally got a 10 year old Bottle the Papa Van Winkle last year little over $800.00. Living in Kentucky if you can get a bottle when they come out in November around here in Northern Kentucky by Cincinnati your lucky and paying top dollar for a bottle.

[@belovedspy3232]

You're effects on the videos are so amazing. One of my favorites on the whiskey tube

[@Brewzle]

Glad you like them! Alex is the best

[@expospappi]

I cant pay what you pay for whiskey, but i do like Matchers whiskey. Have you ever tried it. I do like thier sour mash.

[@tonys4039]

It's an MSRP of $130. It's because supply and demand permits the aftermarket price to hit primary dealer shelf price, if it stays on the shelf long enough for a discussion

[@kingoberon]

So i just saw a short where you were talking about your 23 year. I saw you had horrible tasting note trying to match the flavor but correct me if I'm wrong you have not opened or tasted the 23 year?

[@GregTally]

Was at an event where you could try all of the Pappys for 25 bucks a pop. Preferred the 15 over the older ones. The older ones were smooth, but thought they were a bit too mellow for my liking. Certainly a world class bourbon, but certainly way overvalued.

[@claytonnichols6273]

Somewhat new to the Brewzle team here. I’ve heard about the barrel picks and somehow having access to buying the barrel picks from Brewzle. Can someone explain how we go about getting those bottles? Is it simply subscribing to patron for any tier or do you simply follow along on discord and watch when things drop? Any info would be helpful as I would love to get more involved and able to buy these barrel picks.

[@MSSynsyterGates]

You have once again shown that you know your whisky. The blind taste test results were impressive.

[@TheNewRevolution]

I've had bottles of all the Pappy's except 23 yo. They were not the best bottles I've ever drank. The 20 was over oaked. The other bottles were very good. I actually think I prefer EH Taylor. I've got a Weller Antique 107 store pick right now that I paid $64 for. It ain't Pappy 15, but it's almost just as good, it's way more affordable, and most importantly, it wasn't impossible to get.

[@MOFOSGTFO]

Pappy 15 is pretty damn amazing but taste alone I won't bother paying over 300 for it. I highly recommend trying a pour at a bar. If it's too expensive ask for a half pour/ flight.

[@EnTitledTown]

What are a few of the most thick or viscous bourbons a novice like myself might be able to try?

[@scowlistic]

The 15 year was always my favorite shift drink. Before the hype of course.

[@msz5543]

I've heard Weller special reserve is the same mash bill at a smidgen over 20 bucks. Any truth to this, and if so, is Welller something like Pappy's. Just a little of what it might be?😮

[@vrsmartin2981]

Don't know why your videos popped up on my feed but it's extremely interesting. I never been or drunk whisky before but after seeing a video of the lad in the licor stor/bar that wasn't having a good day that you got him a bottle of Woodford double I have gone and ordered one to try. Watching your videos has got me wanting to try some whisky. Don't really drink spirits but looking fwd to trying the woodford and who knows might go on to try more.

[@rolandsteele2986]

Great video, I wish I could find the 107 grr

[@yourix2]

I'm new to this channel and im loving it! But there are some terminologies i don't understand like 100 proof to 90 proof and so forth. What does that mean? And is their other terms i should know when buying drinks?

[@roscoepcoltrane23]

Tried the Pappy 15 and WLW the same day one after another. Both were a huge disappointment. It was like sucking on wood. I would like to try them again just to see if I was off that day. May have been the hype.

[@stevek1672]

First video of yours I've watched, and I've gotta say as a fan of whiskey and as a math major -- I quite like your grading system!

[@zman7953]

The blind tasting rocked. I see this bottle and my local store behind glass and just giggle and move on. Cheers brother.

[@Josh_Stringer]

Highly recommend Pappyland by Wright Thompson. Great memoir about Julian

[@Brewzle]

Thanks! Ill check it out

[@FriePaul1337]

I love me some PVW 15, but I loved me some Mister Sam!

[@thelonecourier3084]

I live in Danville Kentucky

[@jaredcharland624]

That deduction was great. Impressive!

[@cshubs]

I got to try Pappy a few times when I worked at a bottle store in Indy about 20 years ago, just before it exploded. I thought there were all too hot.

[@michaelritter2180]

I don't even drink, and I love your videos

[@nateroberts1952]

And that Santa bottle is worth even more than the regular 15🥃 i was lucky enough to be gifted a Santa buddy by a buddy who didn't know what he was buying

[@ScreengageLLC]

Pretty impressive to guess the whiskey. Nice video.

[@sethrider6625]

I don't even drink but I genuinely enjoy your content.

[@jjax5974]

my dad's got the full line. I can confidently say the 20 is where it's at. the 15 and the 23 have too much bite. The 20 is perfectly balanced and smooth.

[@Serenitynowwwww]

Brewzle is easily tbe best liquor guy on the web. Love this guy

[@ariesmight6978]

$2,500 for a oak dominating flavor whiskey. I can get the exact same experience from a $22.50 bottle of Jim Beam dubble barrel. Less then 100Th the price too!!

[@cvn6555]

Have you had both? I have and agree that Pappy isn't worth the enormous price but, no, they are not the same experience in any way.

[@un1xl0ser]

Remember drinking a bottle with friends as an evening when it was maybe 75-120? Good times.

[@arkeusultor4456]

You should try Wild Turkey American Honey mixed with Sweet Tea

[@TheDude613]

This isn’t cocktails with Martha Stewart

[@jaweel6205]

Sounds like diabetes

[@angrybobking5083]

Do you have to buy PVW at $2000? like in my lifetime will I ever be able to have a bottle without spending that much? how else would I get it and what price should i be looking for? (Im a Noob)

[@Grewyn7]

Just buy something else. It's like the cuban cigar of the Bourbon world. Is it good? Yes. Is it worth the price tag? Not even close. You can find several much more affordable drinks that will be just as good.

[@dumb0ut224]

I still like the system because it’s true. The score should be lowered because of the inaccessibility. Secondary market SHOULD effect scores in my opinion

[@blueyedevil3479]

I managed to get a Pappy 20, Van Winkle 13yr Rye, a Van Winkle 10 yr, and a George T Stagg this past week all for less than $1,000!

[@williamgullett5911]

In Bawstun it’s wicked wort it!

[@Veritas-invenitur]

I was given a bottle of this. This is a great drink. But this should always be your first drink of the occasion before you swap to something else. Enjoy respectfully.

[@tomrogers4667]

Man i bought a 500 dollar bottle of blue label and i swear the tast was similar to jack daniels and the seal and box were not broken or open. I only think its worth it if you can sample before buying.

[@damoncarlos2796]

If any changes to system it would be deducting the availability to purchase and value to 5% each. Just received my brewzel barrel pick can’t wait to open it. Cheers 🥃

[@Brewzle]

Thank you for the support!!! Hope you enjoy

[@seanhobbs1989]

I was going through some old boxes and found a box full of my grandpas bottles i know they are super old and never been open and have no idea what I have is there a way or a place that can tell me if there any good or to keep put up I can send pictures I just have no clue about this kind of stuff

[@btwarner2124]

Agreed. WLW is the best. Hands down