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Praedictum 15 Year vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Praedictum 15 Year and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an undiluted barrel-strength pour versus an old-guard, wheat-forward classic.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Praedictum 15 Year | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | 15 years +3 yr | 12 years |
| Proof | 112 proof (56% ABV) +22 proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$400 – $550 ~$60 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Limited easier to find | Allocated |
- Praedictum 15 Year and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Praedictum 15 Year
Not my favorite, but I can see why people like it.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Praedictum 15 Year Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 7/3 heat: Praedictum 15 Year 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
spice 5/3 spice: Praedictum 15 Year 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
fruit 7/5 fruit: Praedictum 15 Year 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: Praedictum 15 Year 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
oak 7/6 oak: Praedictum 15 Year 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Praedictum 15 Year 4 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Praedictum 15 Year: A 15-year, barrel-proof Kentucky bourbon from the Foley family's spirits group, picked and blended by their master distiller. Cherry, maple and spice, finishing on root beer and mint.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Praedictum 15 Year if you want a 15-year, barrel-proof Kentucky bourbon with cherry, maple and mint at a significantly lower price point and with an older age statement.
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
Best enjoyed neat (Praedictum 15 Year); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).