Yardbird's Pappy Van Winkle: Does This Beach Eatery Have Best Bourbon?

Laine Doss January 28, 2013 8:53AM

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Pappy Van Winkle is undeniably the "it" spirit.

Distilled in Frankfort, Kentucky, these America spirits are rare, expensive, and the drink of

choice of celebrity chefs like Anthony Bourdain, Sean Brock, and Mario

Batali.

The bourbons, which are rated near perfect by Wine Enthusiast

magazine and The Beverage Tasting Institute, are in high demand and short supply, making for a little

sticker shock when a bottle is actually found.

For instance, I found the Family Reserve 15 Year at a local liquor store

selling for $299, while the Family Reserve 20 Year being offered at

$400. To compare apples to oranges, an average "good" bottle of bourbon

can be had for around $50. What makes Pappy so dear, with such a loyal

and outspoken fan base?

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Laine Doss is the food and spirits editor for Miami New Times. She has been featured on Cooking Channel's Eat Street and Food Network's Great Food Truck Race. She won an Alternative Weekly award for her feature about what it's like to wait tables.

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