A sign famously hung on the front of warehouse A in the old Stitzel-Weller distillery that read, “Quiet, Whiskey Sleeping.” A recognition that something special and rather sacrosanct was taking place behind that door. A recognition we carry through today with our collection of genuine and authentic Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel Heads.
Whiskey is, after all, a natural byproduct of time, and a short list of ingredients, where the final, most critical step simply involves years - and a charred white oak barrel. Where, according to the ethos of Pappy himself, “Fine bourbon ought to make itself - with just a little help from Mother Nature and Father Time.”
This time sleeping, as they say, is when the wood expands as the barrels are bathed in the heat of a Kentucky summer sun, and the wood contracts when they are cooled by the winds of a southern winter. This naturally choreographed mobility of the whiskey as it flows in and out of the changing wood is what matures it. Over the years of aging quietly in the ideal Kentucky climate, the whiskey takes on its signature color, its mellow flavor, and the characteristics that make it the finest bourbon to be bottled and enjoyed.
It is what lingers then, what remains in the barrels once they are dumped after 20 years, that tells the story we can only otherwise witness through taste and smell. We rely on these retired barrel heads, barrel staves, and even the barrel hoops, to reveal the secrets of the bourbon. They are hidden within the walls, each marking a telltale sign of the requisite char, each striation a showcase of the gentle movement over time, and each patch of discoloration a shared whisper of the whiskey that so recently passed between its walls.
Once retired, each barrel head is lovingly restored, lasered with the corresponding and iconic label matching the 20-Year bottle, and signed by Julian Van Winkle III. As rare and iconic as the bourbon they housed, these barrel heads are entirely unique testaments to the heritage of Pappy Van Winkle and are the ultimate collector’s item for enthusiasts.
This limited-edition barrel head features the 20-Year bourbon’s famous label, is signed by Julian Van Winkle, and includes a certificate of authenticity.
Each barrel head is backed with felt so it can rest comfortably on a table or ottoman in your library, living room, office, or home bar.
If you choose to hang your barrel head, we suggest one of ourBourbon Barrel Hoop Frames or a D-Ring Hanging Kit.
Dimensions:
21.5" Diameter
1.5" Thick
Due to the handmade nature of this product, there are slight variations in every piece. We consider the variations to be a sign of true craftsmanship. Each original barrel head is signed by Julian Van Winkle III and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Learn more about our genuine Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrel Heads.
Love it
Great conversation piece. Nice addition for my bar.
Better than expected. Pictures don’t do it justice.
Love my new Pappy 20 year Barrel Head!! Well done on this .. it’s on my office wall already! Happy New Year!
Love the barrel head. Have it hanging on my wall. While I personally think the 20-year Pappy is the best, the 12-year Lot B is a close second. The quality of my 20-year barrel head is excellent. Love it and Pappy and Company. This is a rare find and an excellent gift for "the guy who has everything" - or at least he thought so until he gets this as a gift. :)
Doesn’t disappoint.
It gets countless positive comments from friends and guests when they visit our home.
Definitely a conversation starter.
Couldn’t be happier with the service and I’m glad to be lucky enough to own it.