About Van Winkle Reserve 12 Yr Bourbon

Van Winkle Reserve 12 Yr Bourbon is part of the legendary Van Winkle whiskey collection crafted at the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. Using the Van Winkle family’s traditional wheated bourbon mash bill, wheat replaces rye as the secondary grain, producing a softer and smoother flavor profile.

After aging for 12 years in charred American oak barrels, the whiskey develops layers of caramel sweetness, vanilla richness, and refined oak spice. Known among enthusiasts as “Lot B,” this bourbon has earned a reputation for balance, elegance, and smooth drinkability.

Because of its limited production and the prestige associated with the Van Winkle family, it remains one of the most sought-after bottles among collectors and serious bourbon drinkers.

Quick Specs

Brand: Van Winkle
Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Age: 12 Years
Proof: 90.4 Proof (45.2% ABV)
Mash Bill: Wheated Bourbon Recipe
Region: Kentucky, USA
Bottle Size: 750ml

Tasting Notes

Nose
Inviting aromas of vanilla, caramel, honey, and toasted oak with gentle baking spice.

Palate
Smooth and balanced with caramel sweetness, vanilla cream, soft wheat character, and light oak.

Finish
Long and refined with lingering vanilla, warm spice, and mellow oak.

Why Bourbon Enthusiasts Seek It

Collectors pursue Van Winkle Reserve 12 Yr Bourbon because it represents one of the most balanced expressions within the Van Winkle lineup. Produced at the respected Buffalo Trace Distillery, the whiskey highlights the smooth character that wheated bourbons are known for.

The extended aging allows deeper flavor development while maintaining the soft, approachable texture created by the wheat in the mash bill. Many enthusiasts consider this bottle the perfect bridge between the younger Old Rip Van Winkle and the older Pappy Van Winkle expressions, making it a highly desirable addition to any bourbon collection.

Similar Bourbons to Compare

If you enjoy Van Winkle Reserve 12 Yr Bourbon, you may also want to explore other bottles in the Van Winkle collection produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery:

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Yr Bourbon

Pappy Van Winkle 15 Yr Bourbon

Pappy Van Winkle 20 Yr Bourbon

Pappy Van Winkle 23 Yr Bourbon

Explore the full Van Winkle Bourbon category to discover the complete lineup of rare wheated bourbons.

FAQ

Where is this bourbon produced?
It is produced at the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.

Why is it called “Lot B”?
Collectors commonly refer to the bottle as Lot B, a nickname widely used in the bourbon community.

Is this a wheated bourbon?
Yes. The mash bill uses wheat instead of rye, creating a smoother and softer bourbon profile.

Why is this bourbon difficult to find?
Production is limited, and demand among collectors and enthusiasts is extremely high.

How should it be enjoyed?
Most enthusiasts prefer drinking it neat or with a few drops of water to open up the flavors.