Old Rip Van Winkle 18 Year 'Blue Smoke' Bourbon 750ml

This private bottling was created by Julian Van Winkle III for the Blue Smoke restaurant in New York City. According to the restaurant—which opened in 2002 but ceased operations in late 2024—the name was derived from "the legendary curl of smoke that rises from perfectly smoked barbecue." 2003 was a special year for Van Winkle private labels. Some of the most sought after and epic bottlings of all time—Sam's 20, Binny's 18 and Park Avenue 18, among others—were either selected and/or bottled throughout this 12 month period. Blue Smoke was done in this timeframe and is absolutely in the same conversation with these other bottlings. Although bottle count and source were never confirmed it's widely speculated to be Stitzel-Weller distilled. Some have suggested Hirsch distillate since the proof is lower in addition to the fact that Van Winkle was still bottling Hirsch during this period. Old Rip Van Winkle 18 Year 'Blue Smoke' Bourbon 750ml