Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly announce the 2025 release of the coveted Van Winkle Whiskey Collection. Returning to shelves this September, the annual offering remains a centerpiece for collectors and connoisseurs alike, showcasing the family’s wheated bourbon and rye whiskey recipes across six celebrated expressions:
- Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10 Year Old
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old
- Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
- Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year Old
- Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20 Year Old
- Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year Old
This year’s release also includes a rare surprise: one rediscovered bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old, which will headline Legacy de Forge’s National Bourbon Heritage Month Auction beginning September 10, 2025.
Craft, Patience, and Generational Care
“As always, each release represents years of quiet work, careful aging and a deep respect for the legacy we carry forward,” said Preston Van Winkle, 4th Generation, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “We’ve taken great care to ensure the quality of this year’s release lives up to the Van Winkle name.”
The Van Winkle Collection continues to embody what has made it a hallmark in the American whiskey category: exceptional taste, legendary craftsmanship, and a story passed down through generations.
Spotlight on the 25-Year-Old Rarity
In honor of the 2025 release, Legacy de Forge will auction a single bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old—the oldest and rarest expression under the Van Winkle name.
Originally bottled in 2017 in a hand-engraved Glencairn crystal decanter, Bottle #706 was tucked away at Buffalo Trace and untouched for nearly a decade. One of just 710 originally produced, it emerges as a true relic of bourbon history, paired with a private tasting hosted by Julian Van Winkle.
Legacy de Forge Bourbon Heritage Month Auction
The September auction will feature eight curated lots, including:
- O.F.C 2006
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Distiller’s Council (new release)
- Stagg Single Barrel pick
Bidding opens September 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. ET and closes September 24, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Details at Legacy de Forge.
2025 Van Winkle Collection Tasting Notes & Prices
- Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old – $149.99
Sweet vanilla, caramel, pecan, and seasoned oak; a smooth cherry-oak finish with smoky depth. - Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old – $169.99
Oak, dried mango, cocoa, and peach; evolves into stone fruit and cocoa with a dry, balanced finish. - Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old – $229.99
Chestnut, vanilla, and spice on the nose; cocoa, cherry, and cedar on the palate with a long oak-spiced finish. - Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old – $239.99
Brown sugar, caramel corn, and vanilla; rich with leather, oak, and cherry brightness, ending dry and spicy. - Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old – $359.99
Citrus zest, plum, and cherry aromas; balanced citrus, vanilla, and sherry tones with a fruit-laced finish. - Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old – $499.99
Bold caramel and cream with oak and leather; full-bodied vanilla, honey, and cherry with a long oak-driven finish.
A Legacy Beyond Whiskey
“Those who follow this release year after year know it’s not just about whiskey, but about what it represents,” said Julian P. Van Winkle III, President, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery.
The family and Buffalo Trace remind fans that they do not set retail prices, and warn against scams on secondary markets. Buyers should purchase only from licensed retailers to ensure authenticity and safety.
For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
