The Bar Towel

Hi all,

Not a beer thing but I know there are lots of bourbon drinkers on here. I was wondering if anyone knew of a way to get my hands on a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle here in Toronto in the next few days? Other than driving across the border, that is.

Thanks.

No, not available right now. The Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year old was available recently and may still be available at some stores.....but no pappy right now.

If it's the taste and not the name you're after, the Weller 12yo is extremely similar and half the price.

I had heard from Vintages that they would be releasing a Van Winkle (don't think Pappy) in the spring.

P.S. for you bourbon guys out there, I'm involved in this - not much to say concrete right now but it's gonna be good!

www.torontobourbonweek.com

Bytowner wrote:If it's the taste and not the name you're after, the Weller 12yo is extremely similar and half the price.

I'm not doubting you, but that is a $20 bottle of bourbon in the US. Have you done a side by side tasting to compare?

Cass wrote:I had heard from Vintages that they would be releasing a Van Winkle (don't think Pappy) in the spring.

It will be the 23 year old Pappy that is coming

markaberrant wrote: I'm not doubting you, but that is a $20 bottle of bourbon in the US. Have you done a side by side tasting to compare?

Yes, and it's generally accepted that the two are closely related. Both wheated bourbons are produced by Buffalo Trace and there have even been rumours that they're the same base.

EDIT: To clarify, I probably wouldn't compare the Weller to the 20 or 23 Pappy, just the younger ones.

Bytowner wrote:

markaberrant wrote: I'm not doubting you, but that is a $20 bottle of bourbon in the US. Have you done a side by side tasting to compare?

Yes, and it's generally accepted that the two are closely related. Both wheated bourbons are produced by Buffalo Trace and there have even been rumours that they're the same base.

EDIT: To clarify, I probably wouldn't compare the Weller to the 20 or 23 Pappy, just the younger ones.

Gotcha, thanks for the additional info. Just getting into bourbons, picked up some Breckenridge Bourbon in Denver, and Elmer T Lee Single Barrel in Dallas. Looking forward to cracking them within the next week.

I've also had Maker's (basic, but solid), Woodford Reserve (too much heat for my liking), Knob Creek (rough and hot for me) and Elijah Craig 12 (much better than Knob Creek when tasted side by side).

Bourbon is expensive in Canada, but dirt cheap in the US.

Anyone have thoughts on some of the better Canadian Rye whiskey? 40 Creek Barrel Select is top notch stuff to me, I also like their Double Barrel Reserve, but is almost 3x the cost. I've found their other specialty releases a little disappointing, I prefer the Barrel Select in side by side tastings. I've heard good things about Alberta Premium Dark Horse, not sure what else is worth trying? Any thoughts on the Pike Creek?

markaberrant wrote:Anyone have thoughts on some of the better Canadian Rye whiskey? 40 Creek Barrel Select is top notch stuff to me, I also like their Double Barrel Reserve, but is almost 3x the cost. I've found their other specialty releases a little disappointing, I prefer the Barrel Select in side by side tastings. I've heard good things about Alberta Premium Dark Horse, not sure what else is worth trying? Any thoughts on the Pike Creek?

All very good (and good value): Lot No. 40, Forty Creek Copper Pot, Alberta Premium Dark Horse, Wiser's Legacy.

PeenSteen wrote:

Cass wrote:I had heard from Vintages that they would be releasing a Van Winkle (don't think Pappy) in the spring.

It will be the 23 year old Pappy that is coming

Have any idea of the price point? Only time I seen it on the shelf was 199$ in Syracuse. Went for the 99$ 20-year old in stead at the time after tasting them side-by-side at Al's Whiskey & Cigar Lounge the night before and much prefering the 20.

iguenard wrote:

PeenSteen wrote:

Cass wrote:I had heard from Vintages that they would be releasing a Van Winkle (don't think Pappy) in the spring.

It will be the 23 year old Pappy that is coming

Have any idea of the price point? Only time I seen it on the shelf was 199$ in Syracuse. Went for the 99$ 20-year old in stead at the time after tasting them side-by-side at Al's Whiskey & Cigar Lounge the night before and much prefering the 20.

Just an estimate, but somewhere in the neighbourhood of 160-190 a bottle

iguenard wrote:

PeenSteen wrote:

Cass wrote:I had heard from Vintages that they would be releasing a Van Winkle (don't think Pappy) in the spring.

It will be the 23 year old Pappy that is coming

Have any idea of the price point? Only time I seen it on the shelf was 199$ in Syracuse. Went for the 99$ 20-year old in stead at the time after tasting them side-by-side at Al's Whiskey & Cigar Lounge the night before and much prefering the 20.

Ian, where in Syracuse did you buy the 20 year? I've just recently got into various whisk(e)ys, and don't have a clue where to go in the area to get some stuff we can't get here. (I just know the good beer stores.) Any suggestions for good liquor stores that are drivable from Ottawa? (Syracuse, Watertown, Rochester, etc)

(Sorry to derail the thread a bit)