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Old Rip Van Winkle is a brand of wheated Kentucky straight bourbon, produced for the Van Winkle Whiskey Company at the Buffalo Trace distillery. The brand originated in 1933 when it was briefly launched by the new Stitzel-Weller Distillery Co, however was ultimately shelved when it opted to focus on its established brands. It lay dormant until 1972 when revived by J.P. Van Winkle & Son.
The brand has been available in a number of variations over the years, including both bourbon and rye whiskies. It currently only offered in on format however, its now traditional 107 proof wheated bourbon expression.
Prohibition is repealed and W.L. Weller & Sons begin selling whiskey using the Old Rip Van Winkle brand name.
Stitzel-Weller distillery opens and Old Rip Van Winkle brand is discontinued in favour of other labels.
Old Rip Van Winkle brand is re-registered by Stitzel-Weller distillery.
Rip Van Winkle decanters are produced for the distillery's Old Fitzgerald brand.
Stitzel-Weller board forces Julian Van Winkle II to sell distillery.
He retains the Old Rip Van Winkle brand and forms J.P. Van Winkle & Son to begins marketing it using sold casks sold to it by the new owners.
Julian II dies and his son, Julian III established Old Commonwealth Distillery Co at the former Hoffman distillery.
Old Rip Van Winkle 15-year-old is released.
Old Rip Van Winkle 12-year-old Old Time Rye is launched.
Production of all Van Winkle brands is moved to Buffalo Trace distillery.
Old Commonwealth Distillery Co is closed.
Limited edition Old Rip Van Winkle 23-year-old Glencairn decanter is released.
Old Rip Van Winkle 10-year-old is redesigned with new label and cognac-style bottle shape.
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