Rare, cult-like bourbon keeps patrons thirsty for more – WTOP
As much as I love Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Years Old 90 proof, I have yet to try or even seek out Pappy Van Winkle in either the 20 or 23 year old versions. Frankly, I have some skepticism over it because because it is so old. The book, Bourbon, Straight argues that bourbon aged over 12 years or so starts to take on too much of the wood in the barrel. Perhaps that is not the case with Pappy, but I wonder how much of the hype is because it is so rare. I am not going to go out of my way to try some, but if offered, I’ll let you know how if it lives up to the hype.

Also a 2010 exchange between the Ombudsman and Julian Van Winkle confirmed Pappy Van Winkle 15 Years Old is the same as Old Rip Van Winkle 15 Year Old, they just changed the label.