Old Rip Van Winkle 12 Year Old Special Reserve Lot B Bourbon Whiskey

Soft, elegant, and quietly complex, Old Rip Van Winkle 12 Year Old Lot B is a masterclass in restraint. It emphasizes balance and texture over power, delivering mature wheated-bourbon sweetness, polished oak, and effortless drinkability.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery for the Van Winkle family, Old Rip Van Winkle Lot B is made using a wheated bourbon mash bill, replacing rye with wheat to create a rounder, silkier profile. The bourbon is aged for 12 years in new charred American oak barrels, allowing ample time for oak influence while preserving softness and harmony.

Bottled at 90.4 proof, Lot B is intentionally restrained in strength, highlighting nuance, integration, and elegance rather than intensity. It occupies a unique place in the Van Winkle lineup—bridging everyday refinement and collectible prestige.

Critics Reviews

Bourbon critics and respected whiskey writers frequently describe Lot B as one of the most approachable and refined Van Winkle expressions. Reviewers praise its balance and consistency, often noting its gentle oak character and smooth mouthfeel. Many critics regard it as an ideal introduction to ultra-aged wheated bourbon, emphasizing finesse over force.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Soft aromas of caramel, vanilla bean, honey, and toasted oak with subtle notes of dried fruit and light baking spice.

Palate:
Medium-bodied and silky, offering flavors of toffee, brown sugar, honeyed grain, and gentle oak framed by a smooth, rounded texture.

Finish:
Clean, polished, and lingering, with soft sweetness, light spice, and well-integrated oak fading gracefully.

Quick Overview