Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Family Reserve Bourbon (1998, Green Glass, Lawrenceburg)

Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Family Reserve Bourbon 1998 Green Glass Lawrenceburg (750ML)
Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Family Reserve 1998 Green Glass is the very first release of Pappy 23 and one of the most legendary bottles in bourbon history. Bottled in Lawrenceburg and sealed with gold wax, this release predates the Buffalo Trace acquisition and was bottled by Julian Van Winkle III during a pivotal era for the Van Winkle brand. Green glass and gold wax alone signal its iconic status.

According to bourbon historian Michael Veach, the whiskey for this inaugural Pappy 23 was sourced from Old Boone Distillery and is believed to be a traditional high rye bourbon rather than a wheated mashbill. While Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year had been released previously, this 1998 bottling marked the first appearance of the 23 Year expression. At the time, Pappy 15 did not yet exist as a standalone release and was still offered under the Old Rip Van Winkle name.

This bottle features an Amathus UK import sticker on the rear, further adding to its provenance and collectibility. Produced in extremely limited quantities, the 1998 Pappy 23 Green Glass Lawrenceburg release is widely regarded as a cornerstone bottle for elite bourbon collectors.