4-Shot Friday - November 2, 2018 - Pursuit of Pappy Van Winkle

“Twenty years ago, bourbon wasn’t very popular. You couldn’t give it away. It’s now nearly as rare as rocking horse shit.” - James Espey

Happy Friday!

So far bourbon chasers have sighted Pappy Van Winkle's Bourbon in these states: North Carolina, Kentucky, Minnesota, Georgia and Mississippi. But this doesn't mean you've missed out if you live there. Many distributors and/or retail stores will hold onto it and offer it through special events, lotteries, etc.

We have lists of retail stores in some states that have received it in the past on this page. And you can also try the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery Store Locator. But the Locator doesn't list all stores who get an allotment. I have bought it in stores in past years that do not show up in the Locator.

Also, keep in mind that it's getting harder and harder to find Pappy at suggested retail. I've noticed the trend myself over the last few years and after talking to some folks in states like Kentucky, it appears the price continues to escalate every year. More and more buyers are willing to pay higher and higher prices. This trend will also affect the cost on the secondary market.

We've added more stores and events to our lotteries/raffle page that have offered info on how they plan to dole it out or have scheduled special Pappy events or lotteries.

And remember, you still have until November 5 at 9PM EST to get tickets for our November Pappy 15 Giveaway. (All current members can buy 2-for-1 tickets in increments of $25. That means you get 50 chances per $25 order.)

Tune into our Facebook Page on Monday, November 5 at 9PM EST to view the live drawing.

Go here to get more info.

4 Shots

Pappy Van Winkle Season - Bourbon's High Time

Most bourbon lovers relish this time of the year.

College football season gets serious—at least for the four to six teams who still haves hopes of winning it all. The weather cools so you can sip your favorite pour outside by the fire. And rabid bourbon hunters everywhere dream of scoring a unicorn (otherwise known as some of the best and hardest to find bourbons on the planet).

For most bourbon hunters the priority list looks something like this:

Pappy Van Winkle (including Old Rip 10, Van Winkle 12 and if released Rye)
BTAC (also known as the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection): Includes William LaRue Weller, George T. Stagg, Eagle Rare 17, Thomas Handy Sazerac and Sazerac Rye.
Take Your Pick
1. Four Roses Limited Editions Small Batch
2. Old Forester Birthday
3. Michter's 20 (some years)
4. Parker's Heritage Collection
5. Elijah Craig 18, 20 or 23 (some years)
6. High West A Midwinter's Night Dram

Plus, there are always a few new ones like Old Fitz BIB, Evan Williams 27 Year, Michter's Toasted Barrel, Kentucky Owl, etc.

Does the World Need a 50-Year-Old Bourbon?

Bourbon is a booming business. Since 1999, production has increased more than 250 percent, and the spirit now creates an $8.5 billion industry in the state of Kentucky alone, according to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Increased demand around the world has fostered a vibrant bourbon export market which, according to the association, surged 14 percent in 2017 with more than $1 billion in revenue.

Dominating this white-hot industry is Frankfort, Ky.’s Buffalo Trace Distillery, with its renowned portfolio of Pappy Van Winkle, Blanton’s, and W.L. Weller. Now, Sazerac Company Inc.—Buffalo Trace’s owner—is investing in a long-game partnership with the U.K.’s Last Drop Distillers in hopes that it can extend the bourbon aging process and cash in on growing demand for long-aged American whiskeys.

Opal's Annual Gala Fundraiser Returns This Weekend

This Saturday, Opal's Dream Foundation is hosting their Annual Gala fundraiser. This year, guests are invited to rock n' roll for a cause with the theme "Great Balls of Fire!" Guests of the gala will enjoy a cocktail hour, three-course meal, live rock n' roll music, auctions and more. Opal's auctions are known for featuring a large selection of rare and collectible bourbon, including the coveted Pappy Van Winkle.

Since its creation in 2011 by current board chairman Jerry Stith, Opal's Dream Foundation has worked to help restore dignity, respect and joy to the elderly in the nursing home community. Whether it's a new blanket, an electric wheelchair or a trip to the zoo, Opal's strives to make dreams come true whenever they can. Learn more at opalsdreamfoundation.org.

Opal's Annual Gala is this Saturday, November 3 from 5:45-11 p.m. at Paroquet Springs, 395 Paroquet Springs Drive, in Shepherdsville. Tickets are $104 for an individual, $805 for a table for eight or $1,205 for a premium table for eight.

Buy Tickets

Announcing WhiskyFest 2019 Dates! – Whisky News