2026 Van Winkle Collection Set for U.S. Release
Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and Buffalo Trace Distillery announced the 2026 Van Winkle Whiskey Collection, with six expressions ranging in age from 10 to 23 years. The collection will distribute in limited quantities to retailers, bars and restaurants across the U.S. through Sazerac’s distribution network.
The 2026 collection includes Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon 10-Year-Old, Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12-Year-Old, Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15-Year-Old, Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20-Year-Old, Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23-Year-Old and Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13-Year-Old.
“Every year, we look forward to the opportunity to share these whiskeys with people who have followed our family’s story and appreciate the time and care behind each bottle,” said Preston Van Winkle, Vice-President and 4th Generation, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “There are no shortcuts when you’re talking about whiskey that has spent this many years aging. Our responsibility is to remain patient, protect the quality and carry forward the standards our family has valued for generations.”
The Van Winkle family and Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley select barrels for each annual release based on the standards established for each expression. The distilleries said differences in barrel maturation contribute to variations between releases.
The Van Winkle family’s involvement in American whiskey dates to the late 1800s, when Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr. began his career with Louisville’s W.L. Weller & Sons. He later helped establish the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, which opened in 1935. In 2002, the Van Winkle family partnered with Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, where the company continues to produce and age the Van Winkle expressions.
The 2026 collection will be available in limited quantities through licensed retailers, bars and restaurants. Suggested retail prices, before applicable local fees and taxes, are:
Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon 10-Year-Old: $169.99
Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12-Year-Old: $199.99
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15-Year-Old: $299.99
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20-Year-Old: $399.99
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23-Year-Old: $499.99
Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13-Year-Old: $299.99
“I’ve had the privilege of watching this collection become something that means a great deal not only to our family, but to people around the world,” said Julian P. Van Winkle III, President, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “For me, each bottle is a connection to the generations who came before us and to the patience, pride and traditions they passed down. Seeing that same appreciation carried forward by the people who seek out these whiskeys year after year is incredibly special to our family.”
The Van Winkle family pointed out that it does not control retail prices and that Buffalo Trace Distillery does not control prices set by individual retailers. The companies recommend that consumers purchase Van Winkle products through licensed sellers.
The companies also warn consumers about counterfeit products and fraud associated with unlicensed secondary markets and online sellers. Consumers who believe they purchased a counterfeit bottle or were the victim of a scam should not consume the product and can report the incident to the Better Business Bureau and their state attorney general’s office. Consumers can also contact their credit card provider regarding available fraud protection policies.
This follows the recent release of the 2026 Buffalo Trace Third Prohibition Collection.
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