The Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery's bourbon — often called Pappy Van Winkle or Pappy — is a cultural phenomenon. Bourbon connoisseurs have long held it up as one of the world's best, while limited production has ensured that it is also one of the world's most sought after bourbons. But more and more people are discovering the cult of Pappy. Hell, Momofuku chef and noted Pappy fan David Chang even introduced the bourbon to his PBS audience in a Mind of a Chef episode in which Husk chef (and fellow Pappy fanatic) Sean Brock joins Chang at Edward Lee's 610 Magnolia to make Old Fashioneds with Julian Van Winkle. And Anthony Bourdain has on occasion worked Pappy into scenes on Treme.
And now just so happens to be Pappy season, the time of year when Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery sends out shipments of its cult-like bourbon across the country. It's both a time of great pleasure and a time of great disappointment. Liquor stores often don't even bother to put it on their shelves, it sells out so quickly. Bars and restaurants run through their allocations months, sometimes years, before they're able to get more. But still, the average bourbon drinker's best bet for getting a taste of Pappy is at a bar — so where to find it now or in the near future? Here now, the Eater Pappy Locator.
Know another great spot with Pappy at the ready? Share your knowledge in the comments, please. Restaurateurs and bar owners, feel free to send your Pappy lists by email.
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