Rip Van Winkle left his nagging wife, drank moonshine, and slept for at least 20 years. When he woke up, the world had changed. If he were to wake up today, he would find that a “left-for-dead” spirit, bourbon, is taking the world by storm and his namesake distillery, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery produces some […]
Old Rip Van Winkle – A Story of Another Van Winkle Read More »
I admit it. I love to read Esquire magazine. The edginess and yes, the women ain’t bad either. But, I’m happily married so I like the writing best — especially the articles on drinking bourbon. Charles Pierce is always interesting as well. I don’t agree with a lot of what he says, but he’s passionate and thought provoking. In the
Josh Ozersky Offers “Idiots” Fill Ins for Pappy Van Winkle Read More »
Pappy Van Winkle is damn good bourbon — but…is it worth what it cost? Here’s what Walker Percy, great writer and bourbon lover, had to to say about the relationship between the price of bourbon and its taste — and — umh…”psychological effect” in his essay, “Bourbon Neat.” “I can hardly tell one Bourbon from another, unless the
Pappy Van Winkle – The Price Read More »
Okay. I am not finished with it yet, but so far Charles K. Cowdery’s book on the history of bourbon, titled “Bourbon, Straight” is, well…can I give it the best compliment ever — interesting. It’s like Bourbon 101 — and it makes bourbon that much better, especially if you like to engage your mind and palate in your
Bourbon, Straight – Chuck Cowdery Read More »
Apparently, W. L. Weller distilled Kentucky Straight Bourbon with wheat before anyone else — including Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr. Van Winkle actually worked as a liquor salesman for W.L. Weller and Sons before he and a friend, Alex Farnsley, bought the A. Ph. Stitzel Distillery, which made bourbon for Weller. On Derby Day in 1935, Stitzel-Weller opened its
Why W.L. Weller Bourbon Is Almost Pappy Van Winkle Read More »