Pappy Van Winkle 12 Year Old Special Reserve 45.2% 750ml

The Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old, almost universally known as Lot B, sits in the middle of the Van Winkle range and is many drinkers' favourite expression of all. Twelve years in new charred oak at Buffalo Trace Distillery give the wheated bourbon time to develop real depth while keeping the softer, sweeter character that the recipe is prized for.

The colour is a clear, polished amber. The nose is rich and elegant, leading with caramel and red berry sweetness wrapped around aged oak and a soft varnish note, joined by vanilla, baking spice and a touch of dried mango and cocoa. The palate carries through with cherry, vanilla, cinnamon, candied citrus and roasted nuts, picking up a gentle ping of anise and clove along the way. The finish is medium-length, coating and gently sweet, with berry jam, dark fruit and a clean run of caramel.

Lot B's appeal is its sense of balance: enough age to carry weight and complexity, enough proof to add lift, and just the right amount of fruit and floral character to keep every sip approachable.