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1988 Old Rip Stitzel Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750ml

Bourbon • Proof 105 • Product Details

1988 Old Rip Stitzel Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750ml
1988 Old Rip Stitzel Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750ml
1988 Old Rip Stitzel Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750ml
1988 Old Rip Stitzel Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750ml
1988 Old Rip Stitzel Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750ml

Bottle Profile

  • allocated Allocated
  • collectible Collectible
  • whiskey Whiskey
  • Gift icon Gift
  • Bourbon icon Bourbon

Taste Profile

  • toffee Toffee
  • oak Oak
  • honey Honey
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COUNTRY
-
Type
Bourbon
REGION
Kentucky
Proof
105

1988 Old Rip Stitzel Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750ml

The Old Rip Van Winkle brand was a pre-prohibition bourbon label, revived by the Van Winkle family after they were forced to sell their Stitzel-Weller distillery by its board of directors. New owners, Somerset Imports, granted Julian Van Winkle II (son of the famous 'Pappy') the continued use of an office at the distillery, and first option on purchasing casks to bottle his new brand with. When he died and the business passed to his son, Julian III, this courtesy was no longer extended, and he moved bottling to the old Hoffman distillery in Lawrenceburg in 1983, renaming it Old Commonwealth. He was still able to buy Stitzel-Weller stock though, and introduced the famous Pappy Van Winkle range in homage to his grandfather, using well-aged barrels from the distillery the now-legendary figure once so lovingly ran. When Stitzel-Weller was closed down by United Distillers in 1992, it was only a matter of time before stock would run out. This necessitated a partnership between Julian Van Winkle III and Buffalo Trace distillery in 2002, seeing all bottling move there, initially using the remaining Stitzel-Weller barrels, with these eventually replaced by Buffalo Trace distilled stock. The product from all eras is revered, and the brand is considered to be the first premium bourbon line to have been produced in the US.

One of the final Old Commonwealth bottlings, this 12 year old bourbon was produced in 1988 using barrels from Old Fitzgerald distillery (the name of Stitzel-Weller at the time).

The Stitzel-Weller company was officially established in 1933 at the repeal of National Prohibition in the US. It was the result of a merger between the A. Ph. Stitzel distillery and its biggest customer, W.L. Weller & Sons. The Stitzel-Weller distillery opened on Kentucky Derby day in 1935, and quickly developed a reputation for its high quality wheated bourbon, and its main brands were Old Weller, Old Fitzgerald and Cabin Still. The original ownership was shared between Alex T. Farnsley, Arthur Philip Stitzel and Julian Van Winkle. The former passed-away in 1941 and 1947, respectively, leaving the Van Winkle family as the sole heirs to the business. 'Pappy' died in 1965, having handed the reigns to his son, Julian II the year prior, who ran it until 1972 when the board of directors forced him to sell it to the Norton-Simon subsidiary, Somerset Imports. When they were bought over by the American arm of Scottish distillers, DCL, its subsequent iteration invested heavily in bourbon. So much so in fact, that their newly rebuilt Bernheim distillery had such capacity that Stitzel-Weller was rendered surplus to requirements. It was shut down in 1992. Still part of the Diageo portfolio, it has never re-opened and instead now houses the visitor experience for their Bulleit brand.



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Brand History

Stitzel Weller is a renowned brand in the world of bourbon, revered for its rich history and exceptional craftsmanship. Founded in 1935 by Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle Sr. and Alex Farnsley, Stitzel Weller quickly established itself as a pioneer in bourbon production, setting the standard for quality and innovation.


Located in Shively, Kentucky, Stitzel Weller's distillery became synonymous with excellence in bourbon-making. Its iconic copper stills and aging warehouses became emblematic of the bourbon industry's heritage and tradition.


Throughout the decades, Stitzel Weller remained at the forefront of bourbon culture, producing a range of acclaimed expressions beloved by enthusiasts worldwide. Under the leadership of the Van Winkle family, the brand garnered a reputation for its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to using only the finest ingredients.


One of Stitzel Weller's most significant contributions to the bourbon world was its role in popularizing wheated bourbon. This unique style, characterized by a higher proportion of wheat in the mash bill, imparted a smoothness and complexity that set Stitzel Weller's bourbons apart from the rest.


Despite changing ownership over the years, Stitzel Weller's dedication to quality has remained unwavering. Today, the brand continues to honor its heritage while embracing innovation, ensuring that each bottle carries forward the legacy of excellence established by its founders nearly a century ago. With its timeless appeal and commitment to craftsmanship, Stitzel Weller remains a cherished name among bourbon aficionados, a testament to the enduring legacy of America's native spirit.