Pappy Van Winkle is one of the most legendary and sought-after bourbon brands in the world, with roots stretching back to the late 19th century. The story begins with Julian 'Pappy' Van Winkle Sr., who started his career as a salesman for the Louisville liquor wholesaler W. L. Weller and Sons before eventually co-founding the famed Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Kentucky. The modern brand as we know it today first debuted in 1994 with the release of the Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old, though the family's bourbon heritage runs far deeper. Julian Van Winkle III, grandson of the original Pappy, took control of the Old Rip Van Winkle company in 1977 and helped shape what the brand would become. Today, Pappy Van Winkle bourbons are produced in partnership with Buffalo Trace Distillery, a collaboration that has now spanned over two decades. The lineup includes expressions such as the 13 Year, 20 Year Family Reserve, and the supremely rare 23 Year, all representing the pinnacle of American bourbon craftsmanship. These whiskeys are celebrated for their exceptional depth, complexity, and extraordinarily long aging, which set them apart from virtually any other American whiskey on the market. The brand's reputation is nothing short of mythical. The Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old Family Reserve has earned a 99 out of 100 rating from the World Spirits Championship, making it the number one rated bourbon in the world. Bottles routinely sell for multiples of their already steep retail prices, and annual releases are met with near-frenzied demand from collectors and enthusiasts alike.