Compare
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B vs Kentucky Owl Batch 12
Comparing Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and Kentucky Owl Batch 12 reveals a matchup between a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B | Kentucky Owl Batch 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | 12 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) | 115.8 proof (57.9% ABV) +25 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$170 – $900 | ~$300 – $400 ~$185 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Limited easier to find |
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and Kentucky Owl Batch 12 do not publish an official mash bill.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
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Kentucky Owl Batch 12
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B Kentucky Owl Batch 12
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 3/7 spice: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 7 out of 10
heat 3/7 heat: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 7 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 6 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 8 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 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.
- Kentucky Owl Batch 12: A high-end blend of young and older sourced Kentucky bourbons. Leather, smoky oak and caramel, with a peppery, spice-forward palate.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
- Go with Kentucky Owl Batch 12 if you want a spicy, leathery, high-end blended bourbon at a significantly lower price point and with significantly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B); neat (Kentucky Owl Batch 12).