Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and Buffalo Trace Distillery tell BourbonBlog.com the coveted Van Winkle Whiskey Collection returns to shelves during September 2025—an annual centerpiece for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
And this year brings a twist: one of the original bottles from the first-ever 2017 release of Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old — Bottle #706 out of just 710 produced — has been rediscovered and will surface in a special National Bourbon Heritage Month auction. We first told you the story of that historic release in 2017 on BourbonBlog.com: Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey.
Returning are six celebrated expressions from the family’s famed wheated bourbon and rye recipes, outlined below with tasting notes, pricing, and release details.
“As always, each release represents years of quiet work, careful aging and a deep respect for the legacy we carry forward,” Preston Van Winkle, 4th Generation, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery tells us.
“We’ve taken great care to ensure the quality of this year’s release lives up to the Van Winkle name. We’re proud to share this whiskey with those who appreciate the craft, patience and tradition that go into every bottle.”
The Rediscovered 25 Year Old (Auction Details)
In celebration of the 2025 Van Winkle Collection release and National Bourbon Heritage Month, Legacy de Forge, a new global platform created by Sazerac to improve access to its most coveted spirits, will present an exclusive series of rare whiskey auctions this September. Leading the offerings is Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old, the oldest and rarest expression ever released under the iconic name, paired with a private tasting with Julian Van Winkle – and a story as rare as the whiskey inside.
“The bottle was hidden in archives and recently discovered during an inventory check. As we truly believe our whiskeys are meant to be enjoyed, we decided this was the perfect item to auction on Legacy de Forge, which we just launched in June,” Buffalo Trace Distillery tells BourbonBlog.com.
Originally filled into its hand-engraved Glencairn crystal decanter in 2017, Bottle #706 was safely tucked away at Buffalo Trace, untouched for nearly a decade. As one of the final bottles from the original 710 produced, it emerges as more than a rare collectible: a once-hidden treasure made available for enjoyment by today’s enthusiasts.
How To Bid and Learn More…
This September’s Bourbon Heritage Month Auction will feature eight curated lots in total, including O.F.C 2006, the newly-released Colonel E.H. Taylor Distiller’s Council, and a Stagg Single Barrel pick. Bidding runs through September 24, 2025.
For more information, please visit http://legacydeforge.com/release/bourbon-heritage-month-2025.
2025 Van Winkle Collection: Tasting Notes & Pricing
The 2025 Van Winkle Collection will be made available to stores, bars and restaurants across the United States in limited quantities and at varying retail prices.
The suggested retail prices for the limited-edition Van Winkle collection bottles are as follows (local taxes apply).
The distillery tells BourbonBlog.com the profiles for this season’s release are:
Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10 Year Old – $149.99
This season’s 10YR ORVW bourbon balances classic sweetness with smoky sophistication. On the nose, aromas of vanilla, caramel, pecan, and seasoned oak meet warm tobacco and charred wood.
The palate is smooth and rich with wheat, cherry, bold oak, and a hint of spice, leading to a long, smoky finish layered with oak, dark vanilla, and lingering warmth.
Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12 Year Old – $169.99
This unique batch brings a bolder, woodier edge to a bourbon known for its bright fruit and delicate spice. On the nose, aromas of oak, dried mango, cocoa, and spiced peach mingle with cherry and vanilla.
The palate offers honey, tobacco, and dark fruit, evolving into stone fruit and cocoa. A dry, balanced finish lingers with oak, cherry, and gentle spice.
Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old – $229.99
This seasonal batch builds on the soft, spiced elegance of the original with a richer, fruit-forward complexity. The nose welcomes you with roasted chestnut, vanilla, and subtle spice that is deepened by cherry, stone fruit, and warming oak.
On the palate, layers of cocoa, white pepper, and vanilla meet a bold infusion of cherry and ripe stone fruits, balanced by oak and cedar. A long, warm finish lingers with caramel, spice, and dry oak.
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15 Year Old – $239.99
This limited batch amplifies the 15YO signature sweetness with added depth. The nose is captivating with aromas of brown sugar, caramel corn, and vanilla mingle with wood and a hint of cherry.
The palate is rich with leather, oak, and dark fruit, smoothed by brown sugar and lifted by cherry brightness. A long, dry finish leaves lingering spice, oak tannins, and a warming touch of fruit and sugar.
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old – $359.99
This special batch brings depth to a bourbon known for its intensity and elegance. The nose is vibrant with citrus zest and dried fruit joined by lush notes of plum and cherry.
On the palate, smooth citrus and vanilla meet juicy stone fruit and hints of sherry, creating a beautifully balanced sip. The finish is long, elegant, and fruit-kissed leaving behind whispers of plum, cherry, and warm spice.
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23 Year Old – $499.99
This batch turns up the intensity while staying true to the heart of the Pappy Van Winkle. The nose is bold and inviting leading with rich caramel and cream, joined by oak, leather, and a hit of ripe cherry.
The palate is full and flavorful, with vanilla, honey, and maple leading the way, with a burst of cherry and a warming heat. The finish is long, oaky, and fruit-laced leaving behind notes of spice, sweetness, and the satisfying heat of a stronger pour.
“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. “This whiskey collection is a reflection of our family’s legacy and a tribute to the generations who came before us. The legacy, combined with anticipation, the stories shared over a pour, the appreciation for extended aging – that is what makes each release so special.”
A Note on Pricing & Safety
The Van Winkle family reminds fans that neither they nor Buffalo Trace Distillery control the prices individual retailers charge for the expressions. The family also strongly recommends those interested in the Van Winkle Collection to purchase through a licensed retailer.
Whiskey enthusiasts increase their risks of alcohol scams by purchasing from secondary markets and online sellers including Craigslist, eBay, and social media groups.
Additionally, many alcohol scams take place overseas. In some cases, consuming alcohol that is not purchased from a licensed retailer can lead to bodily harm and even casualties.
Whiskey buyers who believe they have been scammed should not drink out of their bottle.
They should also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, contact their State Attorney General’s office, and contact their credit card company about its fraud protection policies.
What is Legacy de Forge?
Legacy de Forge is a global e-commerce platform built by Sazerac to showcase its rarest spirits. Powered by blockchain for authentication and security, it gives collectors innovative ways to acquire and manage bottles:
- Auctions, limited drops, and fixed-price sales.
- Payment by credit card, wire transfer, or Ethereum (ETH).
- Secure storage at BlockBar’s facilities with global shipping or pickup via Duty Free America’s 250+ locations.
- Verified resale with transparent provenance.
The platform will also support Sazerac’s philanthropic work through auctions and charitable collaborations.
The post Pappy Van Winkle Whiskey Collection 2025 Released With Rare 25-Year Old at Auction on Legacy de Forge first appeared on BourbonBlog.
