March 22 marks the 150th birthday of Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr, known to the whiskey industry as the icon behind the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. The distillery is known for its rare and highly valued bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve.
The distillery is now led by president Julian Van Winkle III, Pappy Van Winkle’s grandson. “My grandfather built the Van Winkle bourbon brand through hard work and a dedication to ensuring quality over profits every time,” Van Winkle III said.
“Honoring what would have been his 150th birthday isn’t just about remembering him as a person. It’s about celebrating the values of family and shared experiences that he instilled in my father, who instilled them in me, and that I have instilled in my own children as they’ve gone out to make their mark on the world.”
The Van Winkle family
To celebrate Pappy’s birthday, the Van Winkle family are holding a ‘Sip ‘n Shop’ event at Pappy & Co, the lifestyle goods store run by Van Winkle III’s daughters. The event will feature cocktails, appetisers, and discounted items in-store.
Pappy’s 150th birthday coincides with the 150th year of the Kentucky Derby. Derby Days is a significant event in the family’s history; on Derby Day 1935 the Van Winkles’ Stitzel-Weller Distillery was launched, officially joining brands WL Weller and Old Fitzgerald.
"Derby Day has always been special in our family, not just because it’s such a big event in Kentucky but also because it marked the start of my grandfather really doing what he loved — making high-quality bourbon that brought people together. This year is especially important because we are celebrating 150 years of Pappy and the Derby.”
The distillery is now led by president Julian Van Winkle III, Pappy Van Winkle’s grandson. “My grandfather built the Van Winkle bourbon brand through hard work and a dedication to ensuring quality over profits every time,” Van Winkle III said.
“Honoring what would have been his 150th birthday isn’t just about remembering him as a person. It’s about celebrating the values of family and shared experiences that he instilled in my father, who instilled them in me, and that I have instilled in my own children as they’ve gone out to make their mark on the world.”
To celebrate Pappy’s birthday, the Van Winkle family are holding a ‘Sip ‘n Shop’ event at Pappy & Co, the lifestyle goods store run by Van Winkle III’s daughters. The event will feature cocktails, appetisers, and discounted items in-store.
Pappy’s 150th birthday coincides with the 150th year of the Kentucky Derby. Derby Days is a significant event in the family’s history; on Derby Day 1935 the Van Winkles’ Stitzel-Weller Distillery was launched, officially joining brands WL Weller and Old Fitzgerald.
"Derby Day has always been special in our family, not just because it’s such a big event in Kentucky but also because it marked the start of my grandfather really doing what he loved — making high-quality bourbon that brought people together. This year is especially important because we are celebrating 150 years of Pappy and the Derby.”
