How to Drink Pappy Van Winkle: Glassware, Serving & Tasting Guide

Congratulations! You've got a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle. Maybe you've been chasing it for years, maybe it was a gift, or maybe you just treated yourself (good call). Either way, you're now holding one of the most celebrated bourbons in the world.

And with that comes a little pressure. How should you pour it? Is ice a crime? Does the glass really matter? Should you open it at all?

Relax. There's no wrong way to enjoy whiskey you love, but there are a few simple steps that help you taste everything the Van Winkle family put into the bottle. Here's our complete guide.

Step 1: Open it

Let's start with the most important tip: drink your Pappy.

It's tempting to keep a bottle sealed forever, waiting for the "perfect" moment. But bourbon doesn't improve in the bottle the way wine can. The whiskey inside is exactly as good today as it will be in ten years. The best moments are the ones you share, so pick a good one and pour.

(If you want one to keep sealed and one to enjoy, that's what the Pappy Van Winkle collection is for.)

Step 2: Choose the right glass

Glassware matters more than most people think. The shape of the glass controls how aromas reach your nose, and with bourbon, much of the flavor is in the aroma.

The best choice: a Glencairn glass. The Glencairn Whisky Glass has a wide bowl that lets the whiskey breathe and a tapered rim that funnels the aroma straight to your nose. It's the standard for serious whiskey tasting. Pouring for friends? Grab the Glencairn Set of 4.

The upgrade: Riedel. The Riedel Vinum Single Malt Whisky Set is a thin, elegant tulip glass designed to highlight a whiskey's sweetness and complexity. It's a beautiful match for the older, more delicate Pappy 20.

The classic: a snifter. A cognac snifter works well for older Pappy, especially if you like to cradle the glass and let your hand warm the whiskey slightly.

For cigar nights: The Godinger Whiskey Glass with Cigar Holder keeps your pour and your cigar side by side.

Save the rocks glass for when you want ice (more on that below). A wide, short tumbler lets aromas escape quickly, which is fine for everyday bourbon but leaves a lot of Pappy's character on the table.

Want a glass that's as special as the bottle? Our engraved Glencairn "Swirl. Sniff. Sip. Repeat." makes the perfect companion gift.

Step 3: Pour the right amount

A standard tasting pour is about 1 to 1.5 ounces. That's enough to explore the whiskey across several sips without overwhelming your palate. With bourbon this special, smaller pours also mean more nights of enjoyment from one bottle.

Serve at room temperature. Chilling bourbon mutes its aromas and flavors.

Step 4: Let it breathe

After pouring, give the glass a few minutes before you sip. A little air helps alcohol vapors settle and lets the deeper aromas come forward. This matters even more for the older bottles like Pappy 20 and Pappy 23, which tend to open up the longer they sit in the glass.

Step 5: Taste it like a pro

You don't need to be an expert to taste whiskey well. Just slow down.

1. Look. Hold the glass up to the light. Older Pappy tends to be a deep amber or copper color from years in the barrel.
2. Swirl gently. A light swirl releases aromas. No need to whip it around like a wine sommelier at a car dealership.
3. Nose it. Bring the glass toward your nose slowly with your mouth slightly open, which helps avoid the alcohol sting. Look for caramel, vanilla, cherry, toffee, leather and oak.
4. Take a small first sip. Let it coat your mouth. The first sip mostly prepares your palate for the alcohol.
5. Take a second sip and hold it. Many bourbon fans use the "Kentucky chew": gently moving the whiskey around your mouth for a few seconds so it touches every part of your tongue. This is when the real flavors show up.
6. Notice the finish. After you swallow, pay attention to how long the flavors linger and how they change. Pappy is known for long, warming finishes.

Step 6: Decide on water (and ice)

Water. A few drops of room-temperature water can open up a whiskey, breaking the surface tension and releasing new aromas. It works best on the higher-proof bottles:

• Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year and Pappy 15 (107 proof): Taste neat first, then add a few drops. You'll often find more fruit and vanilla.
• Lot B 12 and Pappy 20 (90.4 proof): Usually best neat. They're already gentle.
• Pappy 23 (95.6 proof): Neat first. A drop or two can soften the oak if it feels too drying.

Use a dropper or a straw to control the amount. You can always add more, but you can't take it out.

Ice. Purists may gasp, but if you enjoy bourbon on the rocks, it's your bottle. Just use one large, clear ice cube or sphere, which melts slowly and chills without drowning the whiskey. Our advice: try your first pour neat, then experiment.

What about cocktails?

Can you make a cocktail with Pappy? Technically, yes. Should you? Most bourbon lovers would say save it for sipping, since mixers cover up the subtle flavors that make Pappy special.

If you really want to celebrate with a Pappy cocktail, keep it minimal: an Old Fashioned with a sugar cube, a couple dashes of bitters, a large ice cube and an orange peel. Old Rip 10 works best here thanks to its higher proof.

For everyday wheated cocktails, reach for a bottle from the W.L. Weller collection, Pappy's close cousin from the same distillery.

What to eat with Pappy

Rich, sweet, wheated bourbon pairs beautifully with food. Try it alongside:

• Dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) to bring out cherry and cocoa notes, especially with Pappy 20 and 23.
• Toasted pecans or walnuts to echo the nutty notes in Old Rip 10 and Lot B.
• Aged cheddar or Gouda for a salty, savory contrast.
• A great steak dinner, with your Pappy poured as a digestif after the meal.
• Pecan pie or bread pudding for a perfect holiday dessert pairing.

Pappy and cigars

The man on the label is holding a cigar for a reason. Older Pappy, with its notes of leather, tobacco and oak, is a classic cigar companion. The Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented Cigar is made for exactly this pairing, and the Davidoff Signature No. 2 is a smooth, refined option. Explore more in our cigar collection.

Tip: take a sip of whiskey before your first puff, then alternate. The cigar's smoke and the bourbon's sweetness bring out different notes in each other.

Hosting a Pappy tasting

If you have more than one Van Winkle bottle, a side-by-side tasting is one of the best whiskey experiences you can share with friends.

• Pour small: half an ounce of each per person.
• Order matters: start with the gentlest (Lot B 12 or Pappy 20) and work toward the boldest (Pappy 15, then Pappy 23).
• Have water and plain crackers on hand to reset between pours.
• Compare notes without looking at labels first, if you want to make it a game.

The easiest way to set up a flight is with a bundle like the Old Rip 10, Lot B 12 & Pappy 15 or the Pappy 15, 20 & 23 Year Bundle. For tasting notes on each, see our Pappy 15 vs. 20 vs. 23 comparison and Old Rip 10 vs. Lot B 12 guide.

How to store Pappy after opening

Once opened, bourbon stays good for a long time, but a few habits keep it tasting its best:

• Store the bottle upright. Unlike wine, high-proof spirits can damage the cork if stored on their side.
• Keep it cool and dark. Sunlight and heat can change the flavor over time. A cabinet away from windows is ideal.
• Close it tightly after every pour.
• Mind the level. As a bottle empties, the extra air inside slowly changes the whiskey. Once you're below about a third of a bottle, plan to enjoy it within several months.
• Decanters are for display and serving. A decanter like the Bormioli Rocco Selecta looks fantastic at a gathering, but for long-term storage, the original bottle is best. Plus, that label is half the fun.

The best way to drink Pappy

At the end of the day, the best way to drink Pappy Van Winkle is with good people, on an occasion worth remembering, in a way you enjoy. Pour it neat first, take your time, and make it an experience.

Still choosing your bottle? Start with our Complete Pappy Van Winkle Guide, then browse the full Pappy Van Winkle collection. And if it's a gift, make it unforgettable with custom engraving.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to drink Pappy Van Winkle? Neat, at room temperature, in a Glencairn or tulip-shaped glass. Let it breathe for a few minutes, then sip slowly. A few drops of water can open up the higher-proof bottles.

Can you put ice in Pappy Van Winkle? Yes, if you enjoy it that way. Use one large ice cube, which melts slowly. Try your first pour neat so you know what the whiskey tastes like on its own.

Should you mix Pappy Van Winkle in cocktails? Most people save Pappy for sipping. If you want a Pappy cocktail, a simple Old Fashioned with Old Rip 10 is the best choice.

What glass is best for Pappy Van Winkle? A Glencairn whisky glass is the most popular choice. Riedel whisky glasses and snifters are excellent alternatives.

How long does Pappy last after opening? A well-sealed bottle stored upright in a cool, dark place stays good for years, but once it's less than a third full, enjoy it within several months for the best flavor.

What food goes well with Pappy Van Winkle? Dark chocolate, toasted pecans, aged cheese, steak and pecan pie are all excellent pairings.