Van Winkle Family Reserve 13 Year Old Rye Whiskey 2023
Van Winkle Family Reserve 13 Year Old Rye Whiskey 2023 is the 2023 release of the Van Winkle line's outlier — the only non-wheated expression in the family, a 13-year-old Kentucky straight rye bottled at 95.6 proof (47.8% ABV) in 750mL. Distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, it carries the same thirteen-year profile as the 2022 release: one of the oldest rye whiskeys on the market. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 47.8% (95.6 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 13 years, Kentucky straight rye whiskey
- Mash bill: low-rye Kentucky style, estimated ~51% rye (per Uproxx); exact recipe undisclosed
- Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery (DSP-KY-113), Frankfort, Kentucky — Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery
- Release: 2023 annual collection; bottles carry L23xxxxx codes
The 2023 Vintage of Van Winkle's Rye Outlier
While its siblings are wheated bourbons, the Family Reserve rye stands alone with a low-rye Kentucky mash bill matured thirteen years in new charred American oak. The 2023 release continues the annual tradition of extreme limitation — bottles are identifiable by their L23 bottle codes and, like every Van Winkle, disappear on allocation. Explore more rye whiskey and whisky, or shop the Pappy Van Winkle collection at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Buffalo Trace's official notes: a soft nose of chestnuts, spice, vanilla, and fruit. Flavors of cocoa, vanilla, spice, and white pepper. A long, warm, complex finish with caramel and spice combined with dry oak. The 2024-edition distillery profile adds: roasted nuts, oaky vanilla, ripe fruit; chocolate and spice; gentle baking spices and roasted caramel.
How to Enjoy
Neat in a Glencairn to read all thirteen years. For a landmark cocktail night, it makes an unforgettable Manhattan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the 2023 different from the 2022 Van Winkle rye?
Same expression and specs (95.6 proof, 13 years, low-rye mash bill) — the 2023 is the next annual release, identifiable by L23 bottle codes.
Is it a bourbon?
No — it's the only rye in the Van Winkle line, a Kentucky straight rye whiskey.
What is the proof?
95.6 proof (47.8% ABV).
Why is it so hard to find?
Annual Van Winkle allocations are among the most allocated whiskeys in the world — most bottles never reach open shelves.
Thirteen years of rye, Van Winkle-rare — secure the 2023 Family Reserve Rye online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.