I know that some folks might consider Fall to be all about the pumpkin spice latte and Ugg boot season, but for me - it's bourbon season.  That's when I put away the beers of the summer and turn to the "heartier" drinks that remind me of family gatherings and are better suited to colder weather.  If you down with the liquid that's brown as well, it will interest you know that the world famous Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Whiskey will soon be in stores.

The iconic whisky is distilled at the Buffalo Trace distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, and is owned by Louisiana's own Sezerac Company.   Why is it so coveted?  The Beverage Testing Institute rated the 20-year Pappy Van Winkle a 99 out of 100 in 1995.  That just happens to be the highest rating for a whiskey ever given by the institute.

This whiskey is so rare, a very small amount is only released once per year to a very select number of wholesalers.  In total, 7,000 cases (84,000) will be distributed to select store around the country.  If you want a bottle or 2, be ready to make a drive, spend some time, and shell out a pretty penny.  Some bottles have been priced as high as $10,000 - and folks line up around the block for the chance buy a bottle of the magical elixir.  The closest store that will be selling Pappy Van is Hokus Pokus in Alexandria. 

Al.com reports the wholesalers were chosen and notified yesterday, and bottles should be on shelves sometime between the middle of October and the first of December.

The great writer, philosopher, and generally cool bourbon-lovin' playboy Mark Twain once said:

 Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.”

Truly, it is a sad moment when you spot the bottom of a good bottle.  I'm far from sloshing it up on the regular, but I do so enjoy good bourbon from time to time.  So, if you are a "Secret Santa" or know my wife - hint hint.

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