What is Poor Man's Pappy? Explained

Poor Man’s Pappy is a term used to describe a bourbon blend that is meant to mimic the taste of the highly sought-after Pappy Van Winkle whiskey. Pappy Van Winkle is a brand of bourbon that is produced in limited quantities by the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. Due to its high demand and low supply, Pappy Van Winkle is notoriously difficult to find and can be very expensive when it is available.

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Origins of Poor Man’s Pappy

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Poor Man’s Pappy is a bourbon recipe that was created as an alternative to the highly sought-after Pappy Van Winkle bottles. Pappy Van Winkle is a brand of bourbon whiskey that has gained a cult following due to its limited production and high demand. The brand was originally owned by the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, which was sold to Stitzel-Weller Distillery in 1972. In 1999, Buffalo Trace purchased the W.L. Weller brand, which had a similar mash bill to Pappy Van Winkle. In 2002, Buffalo Trace and the Van Winkle family formed a joint venture to produce Pappy Van Winkle bourbon.

The recipe for Poor Man’s Pappy was first published by the Bourbonr Blog in 2013. The recipe calls for a blend of two bourbons: W.L. Weller 12 and Old Weller Antique. The two bourbons are mixed in a 3:2 ratio, respectively, to create a 100.2-proof blend. The resulting blend is said to have a similar flavor profile to Pappy Van Winkle 15-year bourbon.

The popularity of Poor Man’s Pappy has grown in recent years due to the difficulty of obtaining Pappy Van Winkle bottles. The limited production and high demand for Pappy Van Winkle has led to inflated prices and a black market for the bourbon. Poor Man’s Pappy offers a more affordable and accessible alternative for bourbon enthusiasts who want to experience a similar flavor profile to Pappy Van Winkle.

Components of Poor Man’s Pappy

W.L. Weller 12 is a wheated bourbon that is produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery. It is aged for 12 years in oak barrels and has a smooth, mellow flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. Old Weller Antique 107 is also a wheated bourbon that is produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery. It is aged for 7 years in oak barrels and has a higher proof than W.L. Weller 12, with a spicier, more complex flavor profile.

The exact proportions of W.L. Weller 12 and Old Weller Antique 107 in the Poor Man’s Pappy blend are a matter of debate, but most recipes call for a 60/40 blend of Old Weller Antique 107 and W.L. Weller 12, respectively. The two bourbons are mixed together and allowed to sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Process of Creating Poor Man’s Pappy

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To create Poor Man’s Pappy, simply mix 60% Old Weller Antique with 40% W.L. Weller 12 Year in a bottle or decanter. It is recommended to let the blend sit for a few days to allow the flavors to meld together.

It is important to note that while Poor Man’s Pappy is not the real Pappy Van Winkle, it is a great alternative for those who cannot afford or find the real thing.

Some bourbon enthusiasts have experimented with different blends and ratios to create their own version of Poor Man’s Pappy. However, the 60/40 blend of Old Weller Antique and W.L. Weller 12 Year is the most commonly used recipe and is considered by many to be the best approximation of Pappy Van Winkle.

Tasting Notes

Poor Man’s Pappy is a blend of two bourbons – Old Weller Antique 107 and W.L. Weller 12 Year. This mixture is said to create a taste similar to the highly sought-after Pappy Van Winkle bourbon.

When tasting Poor Man’s Pappy, one can expect a strong nose with sweet butterscotch, cherry, and oak notes. On the palate, more cherries and slightly tannic oak can be detected, along with some warm spices. The finish is a lingering butterscotch and slightly tannic oak with hints of baking spices.

It’s important to note that the taste of Poor Man’s Pappy can vary depending on the ratio of the two bourbons used in the blend. A popular recipe calls for a 60% Old Weller Antique 107 and 40% W.L. Weller 12 Year mixture, but some prefer a different ratio to suit their individual tastes.

Comparison with Pappy Van Winkle

While Pappy Van Winkle is aged for 10 to 23 years, Poor Man’s Pappy is a blend of two Weller bourbons, typically Weller 12-year and Old Weller Antique 107.

The taste of Poor Man’s Pappy is said to be similar to Pappy Van Winkle, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. However, it is important to note that Poor Man’s Pappy is not an exact replica of Pappy Van Winkle.

One of the main differences between the two is the age of the bourbons used. Pappy Van Winkle is aged for a minimum of 10 years, while the Weller bourbons used in Poor Man’s Pappy are aged for 6 to 12 years. Additionally, Pappy Van Winkle is bottled at a higher proof than the Weller bourbons, which can affect the overall taste and mouthfeel of the whiskey.

Another difference is the availability and price. Pappy Van Winkle is notoriously difficult to find and often sells for exorbitant prices on the secondary market. In contrast, the ingredients for Poor Man’s Pappy are readily available and relatively affordable, making it a popular alternative for those who want to enjoy a similar taste without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recipe for Poor Man’s Pappy with Larceny?

The classic recipe for Poor Man’s Pappy involves blending W.L. Weller 12 and Old Weller Antique in a 3:2 ratio. However, some people have experimented with using different bourbons, such as Larceny, in the blend. The recipe for Poor Man’s Pappy with Larceny involves mixing Larceny with Old Weller Antique in a 2:1 ratio.

What is the difference between Poor Man’s Pappy and Pappy?

Poor Man’s Pappy is a homemade blend of two bourbons, while Pappy Van Winkle is a highly sought-after, premium bourbon. Poor Man’s Pappy is meant to mimic the taste of Pappy Van Winkle, but it is not the same thing. Poor Man’s Pappy is a more affordable alternative for those who cannot afford or find Pappy Van Winkle.

How does Poor Man’s Pappy compare to Blanton’s?

Poor Man’s Pappy and Blanton’s are two different bourbons with distinct flavors. Poor Man’s Pappy is a blend of two bourbons, while Blanton’s is a single barrel bourbon. Poor Man’s Pappy is meant to mimic the taste of Pappy Van Winkle, while Blanton’s has its own unique flavor profile.

Is Poor Man’s Pappy worth trying?

If you are a fan of Pappy Van Winkle but cannot afford or find it, Poor Man’s Pappy is definitely worth trying. It is a more affordable alternative that can give you a taste of what Pappy Van Winkle is like. However, keep in mind that Poor Man’s Pappy is not the same thing as Pappy Van Winkle and has its own unique flavor profile.

What is the proof of Poor Man’s Pappy?

The proof of Poor Man’s Pappy varies depending on the bourbons used in the blend. The classic recipe of W.L. Weller 12 and Old Weller Antique in a 3:2 ratio yields a 100.2-proof bourbon blend. However, if different bourbons are used in the blend, the proof may be different.

What is the closest bourbon to Pappy?

There are several bourbons that are often compared to Pappy Van Winkle, including W.L. Weller 12, Old Rip Van Winkle 10, and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12. However, none of these bourbons are exactly the same as Pappy Van Winkle, and each has its own unique flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Poor Man’s Pappy is a popular alternative to the highly coveted and expensive Pappy Van Winkle bourbon. It is a blend of two different bourbons, typically Weller 12 and Old Weller Antique, in varying ratios. While it may not be an exact replica of Pappy Van Winkle, it provides a similar flavor profile at a more affordable price point.

Some bourbon enthusiasts argue that Poor Man’s Pappy is even better than the real thing, as it allows for customization and experimentation with different ratios and bourbons. Others believe that it is simply a marketing ploy and that nothing can truly replicate the taste of Pappy Van Winkle.

Regardless of one’s opinion, Poor Man’s Pappy has gained a significant following and has become a staple in many bourbon collections. It provides an accessible way for bourbon lovers to enjoy a similar taste without breaking the bank.

If you’re interested in trying Poor Man’s Pappy, you might also want to check out these related posts:

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