by Mike » Wed Dec 09, 2015 8:47 pm
The time has long since passed when I would buy any Pappy Van Winkle bourbons at their current asking price. It is my opinion that the Pappy 15 YO is as good as any bourbon to be found. But, that is only because I find that a considerable amount of tannins in a bourbon add to its subtlelty and improve the length of the finish (a shortcoming of many wheated bourbons).
I approximate the taste of Pappy 15 YO (which I have on hand) with 70% Woodford Reserve Double Oaked (for the tannins), 25% Maker's Mark Cask Strength (for the softness of the wheat), and 5% water to open the door to the taste. I find this vatting to hit my bourbon sweet spot pretty effectively.
Your mileage will vary according to the demands of your palate (you must learn your own). The difference between the most expensive bourbon and the least expensive is much more a function of the demands of your palate (and your wallet), than it is of any imagined measure of quality.
There are good quality bourbons that sell for less than $20 a bottle. In general, higher quality bourbons cost more, but neither price, nor age are as good a guide as is you own palate. If you find a bourbon that suits you, you are home. But, if you, like me, are ever curious as to that next level, your pursuit can be costly, and not all that rewarding. The choice lies with you, and to be honest, with the needs of your particular psychology. Mine dictated that I pursue a kind of perfection in bourbon that can only be found, I learned, in one's own palate............. but, it is a kind of quest that can last a long time and be expensive. Is it worth it? I seriously doubt it.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rage at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. - Dylan Thomas