For whiskey drinkers in the know, Pappy Van Winkle is the ultimate liquid, whose fans are willing to pay dearly for a chance to sip the rare spirit.
This American bourbon, produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, from a family recipe that's more than a century old, has become famous for its scarcity and, hence, high price.
Coveted by celebrity chefs, industry professionals, and whiskey connoisseurs alike, Pappy Van Winkle has become known for its impressive mastery of the craft and gained acclaim for its high-scoring flavor profile ratings and limited-batch releases that are aged ten years or more.
The bourbon is released in the fall, and many retailers join a waitlist or lottery in hopes of snagging some of the rare bottles distributed annually. A bottle can cost as much as $850 for the special reserve, but a host of restaurants and bars in Miami sell the precious elixir by the glass. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to see what the hype is about, you can try Pappy Van Winkle at these Miami restaurants.
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At Ember Miami, chef Brad Kilgore's wood-fired American bistro in the Design District, Pappy fans can find three aged varieties that are served neat or with a large cube of ice. The Old Rip Van Winkle 10-year, which retails for upward of $600 per bottle, is available for $45 per glass. The Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot "B" 12-year bourbon costs $60 per glass, and the Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15-year Kentucky straight bourbon runs $85 per glass.
The Brickell Asian hot spot Komodo pours three varieties of the coveted bourbon. Sip the Old Rip Van Winkle 10-year for $50, the Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot "B" 12-year for $55, or Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15-year for $80.
This downtown Miami bar boasts four of the five Van Winkle bourbons, including the highly coveted 20-year. Priced per pour, the Old Rip Van Winkle Ten-Year costs $50, the Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot "B" 12-year runs $55, Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15-year costs $75, and Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20-year costs $100.
The newest addition to the Groot Hospitality family, Papi Steak is a Miami Beach restaurant perfect for enjoying indulgences such as a fine glass of bourbon paired with a meaty steak. The Old Rip Van Winkle 10-year costs $50 per pour.
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This luxury hotel in Miami Beach sometimes scores the scarce 23-year bottle, but currently, it carries the Old Rip Van Winkle 10-year on the shelf of the swanky bar. Served neat, this two-ounce pour costs $115, but the views and ambiance just outside in the courtyard are priceless.
The bar at Swan is often buzzing, and if you're looking for Pappy, this pretty pink spot offers pours from two bottles. Grab a seat, enjoy the people-watching, and order the Old Rip Van Winkle 10-year for $50 or Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15-year for $80.
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This award-winning bar in Miami Beach offers a variety of hard-to-find spirits. Sometimes you can even spot the Pappy 23-year peeking from the shelves. The bar currently offers the Old Rip Van Winkle 10-year and the Family Reserve 15-year, priced at $102 and $120, respectively. The two-ounce pours can be served neat or on the rocks.
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Coconut Grove's favorite whiskey bar is holding true to its name by offering a couple of the distillery's aged bourbons. The Old Rip Van Winkle 10-year is available for $105 per two-ounce pour, and the Special Reserve Lot "B" 12-year runs $115. Sometimes Taurus carries older bottles depending upon the bar's ability to obtain them.
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