{"product_id":"van-winkle-special-reserve-12-year","title":"Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year \"Lot B\"","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n.mw-master-container{\n  --mw-accent: #DBE0DF;   \/* metallic foil  *\/\n  --mw-glow:   #94212C;   \/* power color    *\/\n  --mw-bg:     #261D1E;   \/* deep lowlight  *\/\n  --mw-text:#e0e0e0; --mw-muted:#aca6a8; --mw-hair:#382a2c;\n  font-family: inherit; background:var(--mw-bg); color:var(--mw-text);\n  line-height:1.7; padding:24px; margin-bottom:60px;\n}\n.mw-master-container .mw-h3{ color:var(--mw-accent); font-weight:bold; text-transform:uppercase;\n  font-size:0.9rem; letter-spacing:2px; margin-top:40px; display:block;\n  border-bottom:1px solid var(--mw-glow); padding-bottom:8px; margin-bottom:20px; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-accent{ color:var(--mw-accent); font-weight:bold; text-decoration:none; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-accent:hover{ color:#fff; text-decoration:underline; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-info-box{ background:linear-gradient(90deg, var(--mw-bg) 0%, var(--mw-glow) 100%);\n  padding:25px; margin:25px 0; border-radius:0 4px 4px 0; border:1px solid var(--mw-hair);\n  border-left:4px solid var(--mw-accent); }\n.mw-master-container .mw-grid{ display:grid; grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr; gap:30px; margin:30px 0; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-card{ background:rgba(255,255,255,0.02); padding:25px;\n  border:1px solid var(--mw-glow); border-radius:4px; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-table{ width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; margin-top:15px; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-table td{ padding:14px 0; border-bottom:1px solid var(--mw-hair);\n  color:#ccc; font-size:0.95rem; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-table td:first-child{ font-weight:bold; width:38%; color:var(--mw-accent);\n  text-transform:uppercase; font-size:0.75rem; letter-spacing:1px; }\n.mw-master-container details{ background:rgba(255,255,255,0.03); border:1px solid var(--mw-hair);\n  border-radius:4px; margin-bottom:15px; }\n.mw-master-container summary{ padding:18px; color:var(--mw-accent); font-weight:bold; cursor:pointer;\n  outline:none; list-style:none; display:flex; justify-content:space-between; align-items:center;\n  text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:1px; font-size:0.85rem; }\n.mw-master-container summary::after{ content:'+'; font-size:1.2rem; }\n.mw-master-container details[open]{ border:1px solid var(--mw-accent); }\n.mw-master-container details[open] summary::after{ content:'-'; }\n.mw-master-container .details-content{ padding:0 20px 20px 20px; font-size:0.95rem; }\n@media (max-width:768px){ .mw-master-container .mw-grid{ grid-template-columns:1fr; } }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"mw-master-container\"\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"speakable\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eVan Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year, known as \"Lot B,\" is the middle of the Van Winkle line — a wheated Kentucky straight bourbon produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery for the Van Winkle family and bottled by Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. It is aged 12 years and bottled at 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV), the lowest proof in the family and a deliberately restrained one. Wheat stands in for rye, giving a soft, rounded sweetness, and the two extra years over the 10 Year build depth without heat. Golden amber in the glass, it carries caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and dried fruit on the nose; a soft palate of wheat sweetness, honey, caramel, and vanilla cream over gentle oak; and a long, balanced, dry finish with brown spice and a touch of tobacco. It is often poured after dinner and likened to a fine cognac.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eThe Elemental Distinction\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"mw-info-box\"\u003e\n    \u003cul style=\"margin:0; padding-left:20px; font-size:0.95rem;\"\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eThe middle expression of the Van Winkle line — between the 10-year Old Rip and the older Pappy bottlings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eThe lowest-proof Van Winkle: 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV), restrained on purpose for balance over power.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eA wheated bourbon: wheat replaces rye for a soft, rounded, sweeter character.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eAged 12 years in new charred American oak; produced at Buffalo Trace under the Van Winkle partnership since 2002.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eOften likened to an after-dinner cognac. Shares its wheated recipe with the rest of the line. 750 mL.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"mw-grid\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"mw-card\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"mw-accent\" style=\"font-size:0.75rem; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:1px;\"\u003eSensory Profile\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:20px; font-size:0.9rem;\" class=\"speakable\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak with dried fruit and a little spiced peach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp style=\"margin-top:10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft wheat sweetness, honey, caramel, and vanilla cream over gentle oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp style=\"margin-top:10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long, balanced, and dry, with brown spice and a light tobacco note. Gentler than the higher-proof 10 Year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"mw-card\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"mw-accent\" style=\"font-size:0.75rem; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:1px;\"\u003eStrategic Position\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"font-size:0.90rem; margin-top:20px;\"\u003eThe balance-first middle of the family, a step up in age from \u003ca href=\"\/products\/old-rip-van-winkle-10-year\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003eOld Rip Van Winkle 10 Year, the younger expression below it\u003c\/a\u003e, and a step down from the older Pappy bottlings. Browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/bourbon\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003ethe other bourbons we carry\u003c\/a\u003e for more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\n      \u003ctable class=\"mw-table\" style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand \/ Line\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOld Rip Van Winkle (Van Winkle family) — Special Reserve 12 Year, \"Lot B\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDistillery \/ Producer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac), Frankfort, Kentucky — Van Winkle partnership since 2002\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCategory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey — wheated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMash Bill\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWheated (wheat replaces rye); exact ratio not published, est. ~16% wheat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProof \/ ABV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) — lowest-proof Van Winkle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAge Statement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 years (stated)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCooperage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNew charred American oak\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGolden amber\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBottle Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e750 mL\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAvailability\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHighly allocated annual release\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePosition In Line\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMiddle — between Old Rip 10 and Pappy 15\/20\/23\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCountry of Origin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnited States (Kentucky)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eCollector Note\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003eLot B is the Van Winkle family's 12-year Special Reserve, and the story behind it is a quiet one: Julian Van Winkle III added two years over the 10 Year to show what time does for the family's wheated bourbon, at a moment when older bourbon had almost no audience. It found one. The bottle has kept the same plain, image-free label and the same 90.4 proof throughout; the main change was the bottling line moving to Frankfort after the 2002 Buffalo Trace partnership. As the lowest-proof, most balance-driven Van Winkle, it sits in the middle of the line and is a limited annual release that rarely lingers. For a collector, it is the connective piece between the 10 Year and the older Pappy bottlings, and a genuinely collectible bottle in its own right rather than a stepping stone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eRecommended Serving\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003eThis is the gentle one, so it shows best neat in a Glencairn with a few minutes to open — at 90.4 proof there is little heat to tame. A single drop or two of water can lift the honey and dried fruit, but it rarely needs it. Many drinkers treat Lot B as an after-dinner pour in place of a cognac; ice is best avoided, as it mutes the soft wheat sweetness that defines the bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eProduction Methodology\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003eLot B is built on Buffalo Trace's wheated mash bill, with wheat in place of rye alongside corn and malted barley; the exact ratio is not published, but estimates cluster around 16% wheat. It is aged 12 years in new charred American oak, two years longer than the 10 Year, then bottled at a deliberately moderate 90.4 proof. That restrained strength is the point: rather than chase intensity, Lot B leans on integration and the soft sweetness the wheated recipe gives, which is why it is so often compared to an after-dinner cognac. Like the rest of the line, its barrels begin as the same Buffalo Trace wheated stock that becomes Weller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eAuthentication \u0026amp; Vault Preservation\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eMidnight Whiskey is an authorized retailer; every bottle is sold in its original packaging and inspected before it ships. Orders are double-boxed with protective padding and dispatched with temperature-aware handling. Delivery requires an adult signature: the recipient must be 21 or older and present valid government-issued photo ID. For how we verify and grade what we sell, see \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/authentication\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003eour authentication standards\u003c\/a\u003e; for white-glove acquisition and storage, see \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/vault-concierge\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003ethe Vault Concierge\u003c\/a\u003e; and for how we source and vet listings, see \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/editorial-standards\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003eour editorial sourcing standards\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"font-weight:bold; margin-top:0;\"\u003eWhere does Lot B sit in the Van Winkle lineup?\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eVan Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year, nicknamed Lot B, is the middle of the Van Winkle line, between the 10-year Old Rip Van Winkle and the older Pappy Van Winkle 15, 20, and 23 Year bottlings. It is the lowest-proof Van Winkle at 90.4 proof, aged 12 years, and made with the same wheated mash bill as the rest of the family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"font-weight:bold; margin-top:18px; margin-bottom:0;\"\u003eWhy is Lot B bottled at only 90.4 proof?\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe lower 90.4 proof is intentional: at 12 years the wheated bourbon is soft and well-integrated, and the moderate strength keeps the focus on balance and the gentle wheat sweetness rather than heat. It is often poured after dinner and is sometimes compared to a fine cognac.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Product\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/van-winkle-special-reserve-12-year#product\",\n      \"name\": \"Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year (Lot B)\",\n      \"image\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/[PLACEHOLDER_IMAGE_PATH]\/van-winkle-special-reserve-12-year.jpg\",\n      \"description\": \"Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year, known as Lot B, is a wheated Kentucky straight bourbon from the Van Winkle family, produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery and bottled at 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) in 750 mL. The middle expression of the Van Winkle line, between the 10-year Old Rip Van Winkle and the older Pappy bottlings, it is aged 12 years in new charred American oak and made with a wheated mash bill that replaces rye with wheat for a softer, rounder profile, with caramel, vanilla, honey, gentle oak, dried fruit, and a long, balanced, dry finish.\",\n      \"sku\": \"[PLACEHOLDER_SKU]\",\n      \"mpn\": \"[PLACEHOLDER_MPN]\",\n      \"brand\": { \"@type\": \"Brand\", \"name\": \"Old Rip Van Winkle\" },\n      \"manufacturer\": { \"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"Buffalo Trace Distillery\" },\n      \"category\": \"Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey\",\n      \"offers\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Offer\",\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/van-winkle-special-reserve-12-year#offer\",\n        \"url\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/van-winkle-special-reserve-12-year\",\n        \"priceCurrency\": \"USD\",\n        \"price\": \"[PLACEHOLDER_PRICE]\",\n        \"availability\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/LimitedAvailability\",\n        \"itemCondition\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/NewCondition\",\n        \"seller\": { \"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"Midnight Whiskey\" }\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/van-winkle-special-reserve-12-year#breadcrumb\",\n      \"itemListElement\": [\n        { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\" },\n        { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Bourbon\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/collections\/bourbon\" },\n        { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year\" }\n      ]\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/van-winkle-special-reserve-12-year#faq\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Where does Lot B sit in the Van Winkle lineup?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year, nicknamed Lot B, is the middle of the Van Winkle line, between the 10-year Old Rip Van Winkle and the older Pappy Van Winkle 15, 20, and 23 Year bottlings. It is the lowest-proof Van Winkle at 90.4 proof, aged 12 years, and made with the same wheated mash bill as the rest of the family.\" }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Why is Lot B bottled at only 90.4 proof?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The lower 90.4 proof is intentional: at 12 years the wheated bourbon is soft and well-integrated, and the moderate strength keeps the focus on balance and the gentle wheat sweetness rather than heat. It is often poured after dinner and is sometimes compared to a fine cognac.\" }\n        }\n      ]\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Buffalo Trace","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44993253965858,"sku":null,"price":899.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0812\/5566\/1602\/files\/LotbFront_0fccf93a-9e2b-46c5-a407-1654405960f6.jpg?v=1779916629","url":"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/van-winkle-special-reserve-12-year","provider":"Midnight Whiskey ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}