Van Winkle: The Bespoke Barrels | Limited Edition Bourbon Book

WHAT THE PRESS & Industry are SAYING

"Gil Schwarz’s impressive book, Van Winkle: The Bespoke Barrels, is a fascinating and highly satisfying read. Whether you’re a bourbon neophyte or a hardcore whiskey aficionado, you’ll find the histories of the innumerable bottles and brands very engaging. Turning the pages of Gil’s tome is akin to taking a stroll through bourbon’s illustrious history with the best tour guide imaginable.”

"You think you know Pappy! In Gil Schwarz's tirelessly researched book, he tells the genesis of how the Van Winkle name ultimately came to be the most lauded in the game. Beautifully designed, filled with jaw-dropping images of bottles, decanters, and private labels you weren't even aware ever existed, no matter how much you think you know about the bourbon industry and the bottles that have enchanted collectors over the years, you will learn something new, see something you've never seen before. I only wish I had Van Winkle: The Bespoke Barrels before I wrote my last book!"

"Finding a reliable resource that separates fantasy from reality is rare in whiskey. The larger the legend, the less likely you are to do so effectively, and few brands are steeped in more lore than Pappy Van Winkle. With "Van Winkle: The Bespoke Barrels," Gil Schwarz blends eye-popping photography of some of the rarest bourbon bottles on the planet with an in-depth history that reveals the fascinating truth behind them in the process. Drinking it all in is just as satisfying as some of the vintage whiskey featured in his book."

“Bourbon is a spirit known for its myths and legends. Gil Schwarz has transcended that, providing detailed research this industry has never seen. His efforts not only preserve the history of the most esteemed brand in bourbon, but he unravels the timeless and often unknown releases of the Commonwealth Distillery at the peak of bourbon’s chaotic and mysterious era. This is a must have book for any serious collector and enthusiast, and sets a benchmark by which all spirits compendiums will be judged”

"Books like this are not only important—they shape categories and preserve history, highlighting the nascent stages of whisky collecting. It wasn't until 1996 that the world saw its first serious book about collecting Rolex watches—The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches—An Unauthorized History—and consider how that market has transformed since. Just as that book changed watch collecting, Van Winkle: The Bespoke Barrels by Gil Schwarz, promises to do the same for whisk(e)y. Brands like Pappy Van Winkle are some of the most sought after in the world, yet collectors have lacked a definitive reference—until now. This long-overdue book sets a new standard for how future collector's guides should be produced."

“Gil Schwarz has done the impossible! 'Van Winkle: The Bespoke Barrels' is an easy-to-follow guide through the extremely complicated ecosystem of Van Winkle whiskey. In addition to its stunning visual layout, this book tells the story of Julian Van Winkle III and his efforts to bottle and release some of the most revered whiskies of all time. Each bottle's visual summary serves as a quick and convenient reference guide, while the details of each whiskey take the reader on a historical journey that will delight both whiskey novices and veterans alike. Prepare to be fully mind-blown!”

“Gil Schwarz becomes obsessed with whatever he commits to, in a way that is impossible to comprehend if you don’t know him. “VAN WINKLE - The Bespoke Barrels” is an exhaustive compilation of the Van Winkle family’s history in Kentucky Bourbon, spanning three generations of bourbon innovators and displaying a bottle collection from those many decades never seen before this publication. The book is a Van Winkle Bourbon junkie’s dream, a passion project of the author with comprehensive detail that will keep the reader engaged through many a happy hour; a coffee table book that will actually be read.“

By Gil L. Schwarz
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Features include:

Very large format limited edition book.

The ultimate Van Winkle reference work. A virtual catalogue raisonné of the entire bottle universe.

Explore every aspect of Julian Van Winkle III’s creative life and output in crisp, vivid images of every bottle he ever produced! Engaging and interesting articles cover every aspect of his professional life, and all the details are revealed!

12″ x 15.21″ – 320 pages
+ 4 ft. Gatefold timeline

Fully bound in genuine leather with a clothbound slipcase. Both inlaid with gold hotstamping on the covers and spine.

Hand-sewn pages (not just glued like ordinary books).

Superbly printed on thick, acid-free, 200 gsm Japanese Art Paper, with archival quality that lasts for generations.

Handsome poster-level endspapers and a satin-ribbon page marker.

Rigorous inspection at every stage ensures adherence to our luxury standards.

$798

+ shipping & handling

About the Book

Van Winkle: The Bespoke Barrels by Gil L. Schwarz, is the ultimate reference work for fans of Julian Van Winkle III and his legacy in the world of fine Bourbon. This large-format, limited-edition book is a tribute to Julian’s lifelong dedication to his craft, his unrelenting pursuit of quality, and his contributions to the resurgence of Bourbon as a cultural icon.

Julian Van Winkle III’s career was never about seeking the limelight. He built his reputation by focusing on what truly mattered—hunting down the best barrels and producing extraordinary bottles that have become legendary in the world of Whiskey. His journey, deeply rooted in the teachings of his grandfather, Pappy Van Winkle, and father, Van Winkle Jr., shaped the iconic brand we know today.

This book is a comprehensive chronicle of Julian’s remarkable output, documenting the intricate details of every bottle he produced. From his time at the Commonwealth Distillery Company in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, to his work at Buffalo Trace, this luxurious volume captures the essence of a man who defined an era of Bourbon craftsmanship.

Bound in genuine leather and filled with stunning images and stories, this is more than a book—it’s a collector’s piece that will stand the test of time, just like the exceptional bottles it celebrates. Whether you’re a Whiskey enthusiast or a longtime collector, Van Winkle: The Bespoke Barrels offers a one-of-a-kind glimpse into the dedication and artistry behind one of the most revered names in Bourbon.