The Legacy and Heritage of Pappy Van Winkle, reflected in our repurposed Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel Collections
So much has been said, written, and speculated about the Van Winkle men behind the Van Winkle legacy. While it may seem impossible to separate the namesake bourbon from the people responsible for producing it for generations, it may not be necessary to try.
Sometimes legacies are born, and sometimes they are made. In the case of Pappy Van Winkle, it was created, crafted, and the product of devotion and commitment. He started, after all, as a bourbon salesman, not with the intention to become the name behind one of the most venerable whiskey distilleries in the country.
“The mightiest distiller of all didn’t have an ancestor to his name. That’s Julian Van Winkle,
otherwise ‘Pappy’ Van Winkle, at Old Fitzgerald in Louisville.”
- Harry H. Kroll
What it really boils down to is that even from the earliest days when Julian ‘Pappy’ Van Winkle served as the president of Stizel-Weller, until today, each generation of the Van Winkle family saw themselves as the steward of a legacy, not the face of one. Theirs was never a pursuit to make themselves; rather, it was always them in service of the bourbon.
The bourbon has always come first, and in doing so, a mythical and mysterious element has surrounded the Van Winkle family behind the now world-famous golden whiskey that bears their name.
For Pappy, Julian P. Van Winkle, Jr, and our dad, Julian P. Van Winkle, III, the focus has always been on the bourbon. The promise set forth by Pappy himself, to make “always fine bourbon,” has been the connective thread between generations, and no Van Winkle has ever wavered from that philosophy.
While the stories, the rumors, and the rampant discourse around Pappy Van Winkle auction prices, the seemingly unwinnable Pappy Van Winkle bourbon lotteries, and even the infamous Pappy Van Winkle bourbon theft (so speculative as to have earned a spot in a Netflix documentary), the sentiment behind the bourbon itself hasn’t changed.
When Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery was born under the leadership of Pappy Van Winkle, it was with a simple mission. To make good bourbon. That was it. Pappy knew this could be achieved with a simple set of ingredients, time, and patience. Nothing flashy. Continuing Old Rip Van Winkle distillery, and the bourbon that bore his father’s name, and likeness, became the vision and effort of Julian P Van Winkle Jr, and Julian Van Winkle, III after him. It is a story instead of quiet, dignified, hard work behind the scenes.
A lot like bourbon, actually. We can never quite know what is going on in the bourbon barrels as the whiskey ages, not until it is dumped anyway. Ingredients are assembled, barrels are crafted, and a laborious process is followed to the letter, one that has remained unchanged for over 100 years of Van Winkle leadership, from Stitzel-Weller to Old Rip Van Winkle, and beyond. There's no smoke and mirrors, no sleight of hand, no secret ingredients or tricks up our sleeve. It’s honest, authentic, and as transparent as can be when there is a solid oak barrel in the mix.
The highest quality bourbon possible and dedicated craftsmanship - those are the ideals. The ones set forth by Pappy, and so steadfastly followed by each Van Winkle who followed. While they may have all gone about it their own way, and faced individual challenges, each generation has aligned their values and stayed true to the promise of Pappy Van Winkle.
Through it all, a steadfast, unwavering commitment, and a desire to ride out the storm, that once on the other side, it may have appeared to be a smooth ride - even if those of us with behind-the-scenes knowledge know otherwise. The goal was to see it through without compromising quality.
Our Pappy Van Winkle bourbon barrels are both a physical and metaphorical representation of this strength and character. The barrels are built of solid white American oak. Intentionally charred for added layers of flavor and purification, they are required to be unflavored and fresh. Meaning, once the bourbon barrel aging has concluded, the barrel, under the process, can not be used again.
The bourbon barrels bear the brunt of the bourbon aging process. Through the harsh winters and hot summers, while quietly protecting, aging, and developing the signature flavor, layers, and depth of character of the liquid inside. They are called upon to complete this job, with very little fanfare or recognition, yet their role is integral to the outcome. Once dumped, they are discarded, no longer a part of the continued bourbon aging process.
They accept their fate, as stoically and unreservedly as they have served their role for 10, 12, 13, 15, 20, or 23 years. Yet, they deserve more. A little share in the ensuing (and deserved) splendor of the final bottled product. Some appreciation is warranted for the role they play in the flavor and the legacy of the Pappy Van Winkle bourbon they have lovingly embraced, held, and aged.
It just so happens that Pappy & Company has exclusive access to these retired, hardworking, genuine Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrels, and we have always had a vision for their future. One that is a continued effort to by Pappy, our grandfather Julian Van Winkle, Jr, and our father, Julian P. Van Winkle, III.
Once disassembled and broken down into the essential elements, the Pappy Van Winkle bourbon Barrel Heads, the Pappy Van Winkle bourbon barrel staves, and even the metal barrel hoops, each one is a unique representation of the bourbon aging process - and has a story still to tell.
The barrel heads and barrel staves especially bear the marks, perhaps even the battle wounds, proudly. They are reminiscent of the quality, craftsmanship, and taste that are now evident in the bourbon they aged for so long. The barrel heads and barrel staves aren’t to be buffed or edited; they aren’t to be hidden away or discarded. They are meant to be shined, and their effort to be highlighted. They have earned each nick, each groove, each worn-down spot and patch of discoloration, and each indicator of age, heat, movement, and work.
It is the barrels, after all, that hold the secrets. It is only within their walls that the magic happens. It is this magic that is now to be shared through their second life. A vessel once again for our Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged gourmet collection, imparting the remnants of signature flavor through a variety of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel-Aged Mixers, delicious treats, barrel-aged syrup, hot sauce, and more. They are the source of the intense flavor of our Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel Fermented cigars, a truly unique and premium cigar experience unlike anything else available.
They are, of course, reimagined in our Woodshop, where the barrel staves serve as a palette, a source of creative inspiration, and a catalyst for innovative craftsmanship. Resulting in a variety of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon barrel stave crafted home goods, barrel stave furniture, barrel stave accessories, barrel stave barware, barrel stave kitchen tools, barrel stave smoking chunks, barrel stave grill tools…you get the idea.
The craftsmanship required in bourbon aging and making is evident, palpable, and even perceptible in the wafting remnants of the barrel staves. These barrel staves are hand-crafted into a variety of tools, entertaining essentials, and home accessories, all of which celebrate the continued enjoyment of bourbon, inspired by the bourbon lifestyle they represent.
The beauty in each piece of barrel stave furniture, each barrel head, and each barrel stave-crafted accessory is as authentically individual and unique as each sip of bourbon. No two pieces are alike; each one bears a striking reminder of the unique qualities of the bourbon that recently coursed through their wood. Each barrel stave displays a spot of char, or an indentation from where it was moved throughout the rick house to have better access to the hot Kentucky sun, or where the amber-hued liquid swept through, developing and aging, as it was imbued with the signature flavor of the oak barrel. A spot of discoloration on the barrel head indicates that the bourbon itself rested there, and a deep groove in the barrel stave promises that the flavor was gently cradled there.
The lore of Van Winkle Family history is shockingly simple. It just requires devotion and a dedication that may seem somewhat old-fashioned in today’s more fast-paced world. Our Pappy Van Winkle bourbon barrels are a tangible representation of this. Simple, sturdy, and reliable, they are crafted for an important job, enduring seasons of change while remaining steadfast in their humble purpose. The thoughtful design and hand-crafted nature of our Woodshopand Barrel Head collection honor each piece of barrel stave wood and each barrel head. It is an honor to share the legacy held within each piece with those who appreciate it.
