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.
Ember Miami in the Design District offers three kinds of bourbon from the Van Winkle distillery.
Photo by Mike Butler
Ember Miami
151 NE 41st St., #117, Miami786-334-6494
embermiami.com
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.
Komodo's red-hot bar pours three varieties of Pappy in addition to its Asian-centric cocktails.
Photo courtesy of Groot Hospitality
Komodo Miami
801 Brickell Ave., Miami305-534-2211
komodomiami.com
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.
Lost Boy Dry Goods
157 E Flagler St., Miami305-372-7303
lostboydrygoods.com
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.
Papi Steak
736 First St., Miami Beach305-800-7274
papisteak.com
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.
The Setai boasts a vast selection of spirits, including Pappy Van Winkle.
Photo courtesy of the Setai Miami Beach
The Setai Miami Beach
2001 Collins Ave., Miami Beach855-923-7899
thesetaihotels.com
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.
Swan
90 NE 39th St., Miami305-704-0994
swanbevy.com
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.
Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Co. has been known to carry the elusive Pappy 23-year.
Photo by World Red Eye
Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Co.
237 20th St., Suite B, Miami Beach305-763-8217
mysweetliberty.com
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.
Taurus Beer & Whisk(e)y House
3540 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove305-529-6523
taurusbeerandwhiskey.com
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.
