Pappy Van Winkle Whiskey Tasting
Ask anyone who works at TT what their favourite spirit is and there’s a pretty high chance they’ll say bourbon. Whether it’s stirred into a cocktail or chasing a beer, we love the stuff and we’re eager to share our enthusiasm. That’s why we were so excited when this June, we played host to a one-off Pappy Van Winkle whiskey tasting led by Old Rip Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace master blender Drew Mayville.
Pappy Van Winkle is the undisputed grail of bourbons, a product that’s so rare and sought-after, it has achieved an almost mythical status. As one of the few UK purveyors fortunate enough to be granted an allocation of this heavenly amber liquor, we were really proud to host this exclusive tasting at our Shoreditch venue.
On the 23rd and 24th of June we hosted two intimate tastings led by Drew Mayville. On the Thursday, we welcomed members of the hospitality industry for a warm-up tasting of some of Buffalo Trace’s finest products, then the following evening, lucky ticket-holders were treated to the main-event; getting the chance to taste two different expressions of the enigmatic Pappy as well as a range of other whiskeys from the Old Rip Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace distilleries.
Thursday’s tasting was held in our 52-seater cinema room with an industry-specific presentation from Mr. Mayville and samples of five of Buffalo Trace’s finest whiskeys from their eponymous house-bourbon all the way up to the delectable Weller 12 year – a late addition to the roster and a personal favourite of both Drew Mayville and the TT staff.
Pappy Van Winkle is the undisputed grail of bourbons, a product that’s so rare and sought-after, it has achieved an almost mythical status.
Friday evening took place in the airy, plant-filled Orangery, upstairs at TT. Along with their selection of 6 whiskeys, guests enjoyed charcuterie courtesy of Cobble Lane Cured. The tasting kicked off with Buffalo Trace, the delectable signature product from the distillery of the same name, house pour in loads of great bars including our very own Cellar Bar and a solid, good value bourbon, perfect for sipping straight or mixing into a cocktail. This was followed by Eagle Rare, as the name suggests this is a slightly rarer expression and a great stepping stone towards the top shelf.
After trying these two whiskeys, guests moved on to the more exclusive end of the spectrum with Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 and finally the stars themselves, Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 15 year and 20 year. These are bourbons that even many of the most experienced bartenders and well-seasoned whiskey-drinkers rarely get the opportunity to taste so excitement was understandably high.
These are bourbons that even many of the most experienced bartenders and well-seasoned whiskey-drinkers rarely get the opportunity to taste so excitement was understandably high.
Drew Mayville talked the guests through the subtle differences of the different expressions and helped them to identify the rich and varied flavour profiles created by the ageing processes. After imparting his considerable knowledge Mr. Mayville joined the tasters for a drink to cap off the evening.
This one-off event was truly special and we’d love to welcome Drew Mayville and the Buffalo Trace team back anytime. We’re sure to host some more great tastings and exclusive brand-events in the near future so if this sounds like your sort of thing don’t despair about missing out, there’s bound to be something up your street soon.
Thanks again to Drew Mayville and the folks from Buffalo Trace and Old Rip Van Winkle for an amazing evening. To see photos and footage from the tasting and to learn more about Pappy Van Winkle and the Buffalo Trace distillery head to our dedicated page here.
