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Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B vs Praedictum 15 Year
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and Praedictum 15 Year sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an old-guard, wheat-forward classic versus an undiluted barrel-strength pour.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B | Praedictum 15 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | 12 years | 15 years +3 yr |
| Proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) | 112 proof (56% ABV) +22 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$170 – $900 | ~$400 – $550 ~$60 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Limited easier to find |
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and Praedictum 15 Year do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Praedictum 15 Year
Not my favorite, but I can see why people like it.
Flavor Profile
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B Praedictum 15 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/7 heat: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Praedictum 15 Year 7 out of 10
spice 3/5 spice: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Praedictum 15 Year 5 out of 10
fruit 5/7 fruit: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10, Praedictum 15 Year 7 out of 10
sweetness 8/7 sweetness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10, Praedictum 15 Year 7 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10, Praedictum 15 Year 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Praedictum 15 Year 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- 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.
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 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.
Best enjoyed neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B); neat (Praedictum 15 Year).