LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Van Winkle family celebrated what would have been "Pappy's" 150th birthday with a special toast.
Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle, the patriarch of the iconic distilling business that would go on to create some of the "world's most renowned bourbon brands," was born on March 22, 1874.
The Van Winkle family held a celebratory toast on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Louisville to celebrate what would have been the 150th birthday of "Pappy" Van Winkle, who was born on March 22, 1874. (WDRB photo)
Pappy's 150th birthday also coincides with the 150th Kentucky Derby. The 61st running of the roses in 1935 also marked the start of the Van Winkle's Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Brands like Old Fitzgerald and W.L. Weller were produced by the distillery.
Wednesday afternoon, the Van Winkle family gave a special birthday toast of 20-year Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve, the first label produced in the Pappy line, in honor of the Pappy's birthday and the 150th Kentucky Derby. The celebration was held at Pappy & Company on East Market Street in Louisville.
Pappy Van Winkle is one of the most sought-after bourbons in the world. It's made in Frankfort and can be difficult to get without paying up to thousands for a bottle.
Related Stories:
- Sign changed at Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby 150 as Paddock project nears finish line
- 'Once in a Lifetime' Kentucky Derby package offered by Louisville hotel includes private jet
- Man filled empty Pappy Van Winkle bottles with 'foreign substance,' sold them for $36,000
- 6 people inducted into Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame
- PODCAST | Reliving the infamous 'Pappygate' scandal
- Small business tied to Pappy Van Winkle family launches Derby Collection
- PODCAST | Inside 'Pappyland' with author Wright Thompson
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
