Van Winkle 10 vs Van Winkle 12: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:50 am

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Discover the differences between Old Rip Van Winkle 10 vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 and decide which is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Van Winkle 10 vs Van Winkle 12: Comparison

Van Winkle 10: A warm and smooth wheated bourbon that presents a comforting blend of vanilla, ripe fruit, and honey on the nose, with a palate rich in caramel and cherry. Its long finish is marked by caramel and oak, delivering a rich and satisfying experience. Ideal for those who appreciate a smoother bourbon, it’s well-regarded for its approachability and depth.

Van Winkle 12: Offers a smooth, cinnamon-spiced profile, with an aroma of oak and caramel. The palate is velvety, featuring cherry and vanilla alongside chocolate, leading to a vanilla and cinnamon-rich finish. Recognized for its exceptional smoothness and unique character, it’s a distinguished choice for bourbon lovers seeking a refined experience.

Comparison: Van Winkle 10 and Van Winkle 12 both showcase the distinctive quality of the Van Winkle lineage, with the 10-year expression focusing on warmth and bold flavors due to its high 107 proof, while the 12-year brings a more pronounced smoothness and spice. Each stands out in its own right, catering to different preferences within the bourbon spectrum, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best Pappy Whiskey

Van Winkle 10: Smooth & Warm Wheated Bourbon

Nose: Vanilla, ripe fruit, honey, bread, oak
Palate: Caramel, cherry, baking spice, red fruit
Finish: Long, caramel, oak
Alcohol content: 107 proof (53.5% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Noah’s Mill

Pleasant Aroma: Hints of vanilla, fruit, subtle spice, and a touch of oak greet your nose.

Warm & Comforting: The first sip offers a warming sensation and a creamy texture.

Bold Flavors: Ripe cherries and honeyed caramel take center stage, creating a rich and enjoyable taste.

Lingering Warmth: The finish is long and warming, with hints of baking spice and oak emerging later.

Water Optional: While a dash of water can enhance oak and spice, this whiskey shines neat.

Smooth & Approachable: Despite its slightly higher proof, Van Winkle 10 drinks smoothly and offers a rich experience.

Lives Up to the Hype: This entry-level Pappy Van Winkle expression lives up to the brand’s reputation, showcasing a smooth and flavorful profile.

Van Winkle 10 facts:

Wheated bourbon
Aged 10 years
Produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery

Van Winkle 12: Smooth & Cinnamon-Spiced Delight

Nose: Oak, caramel, cinnamon
Palate: Cherry, cinnamon. vanilla, chocolate
Finish: Vanilla, cinnamon, caramel
Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink: Neat
Similar to: Weller 12

Warm Aroma: The nose offers a blend of oak, caramel, and prominent cinnamon notes.

Velvety Mouthfeel: The first sip delivers a soft and smooth texture, with cinnamon flavor taking center stage.

Subtle Oak, Bold Cherry: While oak presence is more noticeable compared to the 10-year expression, it allows delightful cherry notes to come through.

Satisfying Finish: The finish is long and pleasing, featuring hints of vanilla and toffee, adding to the overall enjoyment.

Exceptionally Smooth: Van Winkle 12 stands out for its remarkable smoothness, lacking the slight burn found in the 10-year-old.

Unique Character: The pronounced cinnamon note and bready character, influenced by the wheat in the mash bill, contribute to its distinct personality.

A Wonderful Dram: While the cinnamon might evoke comparisons to Don Julio Añejo, Van Winkle 12 remains an undeniably enjoyable whiskey.

Van Winkle 12 facts: