There is a story behind every bottle of whiskey, and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old vs Catskill Provisions (Rye Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrel...: Is the Higher Rating Justified? carries one worth telling.
Choosing between Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old and Catskill Provisions (Rye Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrel... can be tough, especially when they compete in the same space. In this head-to-head comparison, we taste them side by side and score every dimension so you don't have to guess.
Whether you're stocking your home bar or picking a gift, this breakdown will point you to the right bottle.
Specifications at a Glance
| Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old | Catskill Provisions (Rye Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrel... | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Bourbon |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 90.4 proof | 80 Proof |
| Price | N/A | $46.00 |
| Rating | 10/10 | 3/10 |
Nose
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old: Rather lean and oaky, like the inside of a sauna. There are notes of incense, clove, wood, and mint underlaid by a kind of steely minerality. With water, things get a little more floral: notes of pear cider, honey, beeswax, and red currant.
Catskill Provisions (Rye Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrel...: An incredibly airy scent floats up, not abrasive at all. Stuck my whole nose into the glass actually to be able to pick up on the aromas. Wishing for more to explore here but was able to pinpoint some simple fragrances of rye bread, Wheaties cereal and a plain scone with a touch of drizzled honey. Can trace the maple, but it is predominantly grass clippings and toffee with pancakes soaked in maple syrup in the far distance. Had to sit a very long time with this one. Off the bat, its a sharp face slap of shoe polish and spray paint. But like the guilty pleasures some of us have with gasoline and spray paint, there is a sweetness note that keeps you from running. Continuing to sit with it longer, there is more of the grass clippings with a tad of caramel notes.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old: After nosing this whiskey, I worried the palate would be too astringent, but fortunately my worries were unfounded. While quite oak-inflected in the entry, the finish takes a surprising turn.
Catskill Provisions (Rye Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrel...: . It was quite a surprising round up and this tasting was done in proof order along with revisiting some of the expressions over multiple days. The whiskeys of Catskill Provisions (image via Moriah Hilden/Whiskeyful) Tasting Notes: Catskill Provisions Rye Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrels Vital Stats: 80 Proof. 80% Rye and 20% Barley Mash Bill. No aging details. Price is $46 for 750ml bottle. Appearance: Lightest in color of the three as a copper honey gold color. Lots of little legs come out to play. Nose: An incredibly airy scent floats up, not abrasive at all. Stuck my whole nose into the glass actually to be able to pick up on the aromas. Wishing for more to explore here but was able to pinpoint some simple fragrances of rye bread, Wheaties cereal and a plain scone with a touch o
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old: After the swallow, there’s a brief, shallow burst of ethereal lemon followed by a clean and slightly tart finish with notes of cola, coffee, and bitter herbs that reminds me of a modern light-roast coffee.
Catskill Provisions (Rye Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrel...: Comments: 80 Proof. 80% Rye and 20% Barley Mash Bill
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
Pricing varies by market, so check your local retailer for current rates on both bottles.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
In this matchup, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old takes the crown with a rating of 10/10 compared to Catskill Provisions (Rye Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrel...'s 3/10. It delivers a more compelling overall experience that justifies its place in your collection.
That said, Catskill Provisions (Rye Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrel... is by no means a bad whiskey. If the flavour profile of Catskill Provisions (Rye Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrel... appeals to your palate more, don't let a number stop you.
Read the Full Reviews
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old – Full Review
- Catskill Provisions (Rye Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrel... – Full Review
Final Reflections
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old vs Catskill Provisions (Rye Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrel...: Is the Higher Rating Justified? is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.
