Old Rip Van Winkle 107 Proof 750ML is a 10-year-old wheated Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 107 proof (53.5% ABV) in a 750ml bottle. Part of the legendary Van Winkle lineup, this expression stands apart for being bottled as close to barrel proof as practical — only a splash of Kentucky limestone water is added at bottling, preserving the intensity developed over a full decade of aging. Quick Facts: ABV: 53.5% (107 Proof) | Origin: Kentucky, USA | 10-Year Age Statement | Distillery: Buffalo Trace (DSP-KY-113) Production & Heritage Old Rip Van Winkle 107 is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, using the distillery's wheated mashbill of approximately 70% corn, 16% wheat, and 14% malted barley — the same recipe behind other coveted Van Winkle and Weller expressions. Barrels selected for this bottling are drawn from the "sweet spot" honey holes in Buffalo Trace's metal-clad rickhouses, where temperature fluctuations during maturation drive deep interaction between spirit and charred oak over the full 10-year aging period. The near-barrel-proof bottling strategy means minimal dilution, delivering a bourbon with substantially more concentration and texture than most standard-proof releases in the category. Tasting Notes Aroma: Sweet vanilla rises first, followed by layers of caramel, toasted pecans, and oak wood. Deeper inhalation reveals dried summer fruits and a subtle molasses undertone that signals the bourbon's decade in barrel. Taste: The entry is immediately caramel-sweet and red-fruit ripe, giving way to a mid-palate that is oily, chewy, and pleasingly bittersweet. Robust wheat character emerges alongside brown sugar, dried spiced oranges, nutmeg, and allspice, with the 107-proof heat adding structure without overwhelming the palate. The mouthfeel is notably full-bodied and coating. Finish: Long and smoky, anchored by wheat grain and dark toffee with lingering hints of cherry, fudge, and oak tannins. The spice slowly recedes into a honeyed warmth that invites the next sip. How to Drink Old Rip Van Winkle 107 Neat in a Glencairn is the preferred approach — the 107 proof rewards a few drops of water to open the caramel and fruit aromatics without sacrificing body. On the rocks works well given the high proof, as melting ice gradually softens the spirit while maintaining flavor density. In cocktails, the bold proof and wheated sweetness make it a standout in an Old Fashioned, where its caramel and dark toffee notes amplify the drink's classic profile. A Boulevardier benefits from the bourbon's oily texture and bittersweet mid-palate, standing up to Campari without disappearing. For a simpler build, a Whiskey Sour allows the cherry and dried fruit character to shine against fresh citrus. Best For Gifting a serious bourbon collector or Van Winkle enthusiast Side-by-side tastings comparing wheated versus rye-recipe bourbons Celebrating a milestone occasion with an allocated, hard-to-find bottle Building a high-proof Old Fashioned for experienced bourbon drinkers Frequently Asked Questions What does Old Rip Van Winkle 107 taste like? It delivers a rich, full-bodied profile dominated by heavy caramel, toasted nuts, and dried fruits, balanced by bold oak spice and a long, smoky wheat finish. The 107-proof strength adds a chewy, oily texture that carries flavors of brown sugar, cherry, and dark toffee. How does Old Rip Van Winkle 107 compare to Old Weller Antique 107? Both share the same wheated mashbill, the same distillery (Buffalo Trace), the same warehouse aging conditions, and the same 107 proof, making them among the closest comparisons in bourbon. The primary difference is age and barrel selection — Old Rip Van Winkle carries a 10-year age statement, while Old Weller Antique is a younger expression, resulting in deeper oak integration and more concentrated dried fruit and toffee character in the Van Winkle bottling. Is Old Rip Van Winkle 107 good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the near-barrel-proof strength and 10-year maturity make it exceptionally suited to neat sipping, though a few drops of water can help open the aromatics and soften the heat for those who prefer a gentler delivery. Where is Old Rip Van Winkle 107 made? It is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery (DSP-KY-113) in Frankfort, Kentucky, where the Van Winkle family's bourbon has been distilled since the brand's partnership with Buffalo Trace began in 2002. What foods pair well with Old Rip Van Winkle 107? Pecan pie complements the bourbon's toasted nut and caramel character. Dark chocolate truffles echo its bittersweet mid-palate. Smoked pork belly mirrors the smoky wheat finish. Aged Gouda amplifies the toffee and butterscotch notes. Crème brûlée matches the caramelized sugar and vanilla aromatics. What sizes does Old Rip Van Winkle 107 come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely distributed format for this expression. Is Old Rip Van Winkle 107 worth the price? Old Rip Van Winkle 107 positions as a highly allocated, premium bourbon with a 10-year age statement and near-barrel-proof strength — qualities that place it well above everyday bourbons in terms of complexity and collectibility. At its suggested retail price it represents strong value for a decade-old wheated bourbon, though secondary market prices can be significantly higher due to extreme demand and limited annual allocation. Why Old Rip Van Winkle 107? What separates this expression from the broader Van Winkle lineup is the intersection of age and proof — 10 full years of maturation bottled at a robust 107 proof with minimal water added. That combination preserves barrel-strength intensity while benefiting from a decade of oak interaction, yielding a concentration of flavor that younger or lower-proof wheated bourbons simply cannot replicate. The careful barrel selection from honey-hole positions in Buffalo Trace's rickhouses adds another layer of quality control that contributes to the bourbon's reputation. In a category flooded with NAS releases and proof-adjusted bottlings, Old Rip Van Winkle 107 remains one of the most sought-after examples of what patient aging and restrained dilution can achieve in a wheated bourbon.
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