Stuff Guys Dig

My Bourbon Thoughts: Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year Review

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about our review process.

A hands-on review of Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15.  The good, the bad, and the delicious.

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 Review

 THE OFFICIAL REVIEW 

The Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year is the younger brother of the Pappy 20 Year.  Like its other family members, this is a wheated recipe. The 15 Year Pappy is is bottled at 107 proof.

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 YearToday this bourbon is distilled by Buffalo Trace with the exact same recipe and process as the Stitzel-Weller version but, unlike the 20 and 23 Year versions, the 15 Year has no Stitzel-Weller juice.  Not to worry.  They have taken good care of the product and produced a great bourbon.

The nose is fantastic with sweet, vanilla notes and a hint of fruit.  The taste is a nice balance of wood and carmel sweetness.  It is thick and coats your entire mouth.  The finish is elegant and smooth with sweet spices.

Fantastic bourbons are harder and harder to find and this is no exception so, if you find a bottle, scoop it up and enjoy.  Definitely not a cheap bourbon – save this one for a special occasion.

 WHERE TO BUY IT 

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 Year

$1699 | Drizzly.com

$3100 | Caskers.com

More Bourbon Reviews:
8 of the Most Popular Bourbon to Drink in 2024
The Ultimate Guide to Pappy Van Winkle
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20 Years Old

MEET THE EDITOR

BROSTRICK'S BOURBON REVIEWS