Jump to content

65 Cases (195 Bottles) of Pappy Van Winkle 20-Year Bourbon Stolen from Buffalo Trace Distillery


johnb

Recommended Posts

Source: Grub Street New York

a_190x190.jpg

A winkle in time.

Those who routinely freak out this time of year just as soon as they find out the local liquor stores have sold out of $220 bottles of Pappy Van Winkle twenty-year bourbon whiskey are likely to freak out even more because Bourbon Trace Distillery says someone's stolen $25,300 worth of the very-limited-edition booze over the last few months. (Around $675 worth of thirteen-year-old rye vanished from the Kentucky property as well.) Franklin County police say they have no suspects and believe it was a well-executed inside job, which means the case won't likely have a swift ...

Read full article >>

This story inspired me to go have a sip of my 20 yo Pappy, which is now sitting at the side of my computer.  Nice stuff!  It's been a long while since I've had any -- I think I still prefer my Noah's Mill, but WTH.  My bottle is still about half full, but there remain full bottles of 15 and 12 yo Pappy to tide me over.  Unfortunately, if it really is $220 a pop these days, when it's gone that will likely be my last.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As I've already responded in Don's thread (not going to say who mentioned what story first)....

What is funny to me is on Buffalo Trace's tour, they went on and on and on about how they have all these precautions to keep people from stealing...barrels.

Guess they need more narrow bars on their windows. o_O

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As I've already responded in Don's thread (not going to say who mentioned what story first)....

Actually, my post was merely a response to the rss feed story, which Don subsequently flipped into a "new" thread crediting me as having been the "starter."  He does that a lot you know.  So I guess they're both "Don's threads."  Apparently he likes the story, or else he had a senior moment, either of which I can relate to.  A result no doubt of both of us having been doing too much Bourbon drinking over the years.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Actually, my post was merely a response to the rss feed story, which Don subsequently flipped into a "new" thread crediting me as having been the "starter."  He does that a lot you know.  So I guess they're both "Don's threads."  Apparently he likes the story, or else he had a senior moment, either of which I can relate to.  A result no doubt of both of us having been doing too much Bourbon drinking over the years.

I was mostly trying to give him a hard time. :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have to admit that I found this whole thread (along with the other one) hilarious. I wasn't ready to go to bed last night, so I went to the METV channel (over-the-air, which shows old TV shows) and found an episode of "The Untouchables" with Robert Stack as Elliot Ness. The plot revolved around four trucks packed with cases of Scotch which had been hijacked and then hidden. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Funny how it's all about the money. Who would even notice if that amount of Gallo wine went missing?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm generally not one of those who sees a conspiracy around every corner. But, from a non-Bourbon-aficionado point of view, this caper sure does a briliant job of reaching a much larger audience than those who were aware a single bottle of stuff sold for more than $1100 at auction last week (before the NY Times told us so). The Pappy Puzzle? The Whisky Whodunit? The Spirit Stumper?  Or, though less alliterative, The Kentucky Enigma? :lol:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here's a Person of Interest in the Case of the Stolen Pappy Van Winkle

Source: Grub Street New York

a_190x190.jpg

The Franklin County, Kentucky, sheriff's office has released video of a man they suspect is involved with the theft of approximately 65 cases of ultra-rare Pappy Van Winkle twenty-year bourbon whiskey, which has a retail value of more than $26,000 "” but really, the sky's the limit in terms of street value. Apparently, this guy, who drives an F-150 and wears a purple sweatshirt, tried to sell a "large amount" of the stuff to a liquor store clerk in nearby Hardin County. Around the 1:04 mark, you'll notice he has an odd habit of rubbing his belly with both ...

Read full article >>

Richard Jewell?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Looking at the news release with the long lines in KY, I wanted to know if anyone had any experience buying a bottle in the DC metro area and if so how and what was the cost?

If this is like hunting a unicorn please forgive the casual tone of my question.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Looking at the news release with the long lines in KY, I wanted to know if anyone had any experience buying a bottle in the DC metro area and if so how and what was the cost?

If this is like hunting a unicorn please forgive the casual tone of my question.

When the crowds are running in one direction, calmly walk the other way.

Cháteau Lafite-Rothschild is down 20-40% in world auction markets (as it should be).

There is nothing so special about Pappy Van Winkle that you can't find elsewhere for half the price. Call Joe Riley at Ace Beverage.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Looking at the news release with the long lines in KY, I wanted to know if anyone had any experience buying a bottle in the DC metro area and if so how and what was the cost?

If this is like hunting a unicorn please forgive the casual tone of my question.

In Virginia it's a special order through the ABC and from what I understand it's the best price in the country.  However, the waiting list is so long they're not taking any more names.  I'd be curious to find out if this robbery cut or eliminated ABC's allotment this year.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Looking at the news release with the long lines in KY, I wanted to know if anyone had any experience buying a bottle in the DC metro area and if so how and what was the cost?

If this is like hunting a unicorn please forgive the casual tone of my question.

I got two bottles of the lower grade (10 and 12 year) this year via mailing lists and having a relationship with the spot near my work (which didn't guarantee me anything - just tipped me off to when they'd put it on the shelf).

In DC it is like hunting a unicorn unless you want to spend a super premium - most places in the district hook up their big buyers or have a massive wait list.  Ace is one of the exceptions.  You might be able to obtain one still but it's a time-intensive process and you have to be able to come running if you find one because it won't last.  I played that game last year because I wanted a few bottles for my wedding this fall.  It's exhausting.  The older, proper "Pappy" bottles (15, 20, 23) are very good bourbons and generally back up the hype.  The 10 and 12 years are good but not worth paying some kind of crazy premium for seeing the name "Van Winkle" on the label.  There's a lot of good bourbon out there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There is nothing so special about Pappy Van Winkle that you can't find elsewhere for half the price. Call Joe Riley at Ace Beverage.

Truth.

But if you, like most people, can't find Pappy,try W. L. Weller. There's a 12 year old variety that retails for $23 around the corner. Pappy 15-year sells for $699-$1000 even though it's the exact same liquid as the Pappy (same mash bill, same spirit, same barrels); the only difference is it's aged 3 years less.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you for the informative replies, my lack of knowledge in Bourbon is clearly evident. I did see the GQ family tree a few days ago and it was helpful to visualize the family tree.

I had wanted to get something special for my father in law for the holidays but probably will wait until next year and go with some grilling accessories.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"High School Principal Says He's Not Involved In Pappy Van Winkle Heist" by Ali Hammond for wave3.com

In other words, the gentleman pictured is innocent.

I hope all news sources implicating him as a suspect clear his good name with equal (or greater) fervor. There is absolutely a moral obligation to do so.

And now it is official

Bardstown principal cleared in Pappy Van Winkle investigation by Jack Brammer

From the article :

"Melton also said he will make 'a significant announcement' concerning the case at a news conference at his office at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 2. He did not elaborate.  No arrests have been made in the case. Melton said more than 100 people have been interviewed.  Pickett became a person of interest in the case after he was identified in surveillance video from a Hardin County liquor store where a clerk said a man wanted to sell a large amount of Pappy."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A possible break in Pappygate?

"A Franklin County grand jury indicted nine people Tuesday in connection with Kentucky whiskey thefts dating back to 2008, possibly including the notorious heist of 65 cases of Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve.

The charges of engaging in organized crime, which is the equivalent of racketeering, were handed down against Buffalo Trace Distillery worker Gilbert Thomas Curtsinger, two other distillery workers -- including one who worked for Wild Turkey, Curtsinger's wife and father-in-law, among others."

http://www.courier-journal.com/story/money/2015/04/21/stolen-bourbon-barrels-lead-indictments/26123133/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...