Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 yo, 47.8%

Introduction

Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old stands as one of America’s most revered rye whiskies, representing the uncompromising standards and rich heritage of the Van Winkle family’s century-old whiskey-making tradition.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Crafted from a mash bill with a high percentage of rye grain sourced from select North American farms, complemented by smaller amounts of malted barley and corn.
• Distillation process: Distilled using traditional copper pot stills at Buffalo Trace Distillery under the strict supervision of the Van Winkle family production standards.
• Maturation: Aged for a full 13 years in new, charred American oak barrels stored in the coolest sections of the warehouse to allow for slow, consistent maturation.
• Special techniques: Follows the Van Winkle family’s “wheated bourbon” philosophy of patience and quality over quantity, applying similar principles to their exceptional rye whiskey.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich aromas of dried fruits, toffee, and butterscotch with underlying notes of oak, cinnamon, and vanilla bean.
• Palate: Exceptionally smooth with bold rye spice, candied orange peel, caramelized brown sugar, nutmeg, and maple syrup, balanced by dark chocolate and toasted oak.
• Finish: Long, warming finish with lingering notes of baking spices, pepper, dried cherries, and elegant oak tannins that gradually fade into a sweet, satisfying conclusion.

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (60-65°F/15-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Glencairn whiskey glass or traditional tulip-shaped nosing glass
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of spring water to open up additional aromatic complexities
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate, aged cheeses, smoked meats, or rich desserts with caramel or maple elements

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 47.8% ABV (95.6 proof)
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country/Region of origin: Kentucky, United States
• Certifications/Awards: Multiple gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and consistently rated among the world’s finest rye whiskies by experts and publications

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old offers an unparalleled tasting experience that showcases what happens when superior ingredients meet masterful distillation and patient aging.

With only a limited number of bottles released annually, this exceptional rye whiskey has become one of the most sought-after spirits in the world, often selling out immediately upon release.

The Van Winkle name carries unmatched authority in the whiskey world, with three generations of expertise standing behind every bottle that leaves their care.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Whiskey enthusiasts and critics alike consistently place Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye among the finest American whiskies ever produced, with waiting lists for bottles spanning years.

Collectors who have committed to acquiring complete Van Winkle collections recognize this 13-year-old rye as an essential cornerstone of any serious whiskey portfolio.

Its consistent excellence has earned it a permanent place in whiskey folklore, with tasting panels regularly awarding it top honors in blind competitions.

From the Van Winkle Family to You

Each bottle of Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye represents the family’s gift of time—thirteen years of patient waiting to create something truly extraordinary for the most discerning palates.

The approachable yet complex character of this whiskey reflects the Van Winkle family’s genuine passion for creating spirits that bring people together in appreciation of true craftsmanship.

By choosing this remarkable rye, you join a distinguished community of enthusiasts who value authenticity and tradition—take the time to savor this exceptional expression as it deserves to be enjoyed.