Van Winkle 20 Year old Family Reserve 2010

Tried this slightly older version with the 2012 20 y.o. Pappy and for me, although the 2012 Pappy 20 wins in the nose department this edges it every so slightly as a better rounded and balanced Bourbon. Let me explain why.

Nose: This nose is more constricted. Takes some time to open up. But, once it does, Brown sugar,Vanilla, Bread pudding, Custard, more on the Maple side. But still excellent nose.

Taste: Different form the 2012 Pappy. Much more body. Heavy. Thick. Syrupy. Lots of Tannins, Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, Raisin. The Maple note brings with it some heft in weight and in heat.

Finish: Here is the tie breaker. The finish is way better. Which adds to an overall better balance, better experience. It's still smooth. But, there is more intense grip of the tannins, it's warmer, and you get a more spicy sting. It's also has a quite raisny after taste. The finish of the 2010 product just blows the 2012 away. It's adds to the complexity of the dram.

Any version of Pappy is excellent product. But for me, overall, this 20yr old from 2010 takes a higher rating than the 2012 version. It's just a better overall Whiskey, but as far as nose there is no beating the 2012. It's just exquisite to nose. As a full package though, this 2010 is a league above it's 2012 brethren. Better taste and body, as well as finish. The nose once it opens up, almost matches the 2012 although it is ever slightly less appealing.

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