Skip to main content

One Kentucky Bar Bar is Selling Pappy Van Winkle at Cost for ‘Pappy Thanksgiving’

Pappy Van Winkle, the line of whiskeys that has bourbon drinkers and collectors getting as riled up as a teenager going on his first date, is about to be released for 2018 and this time, one bar in Lexington, Kentucky is doing something a little special: They’re selling the stuff at cost.

Now, if you’ve spent any amount of time around anyone who drinks bourbon, you would know that hardly anywhere sells Pappy Van Winkle at cost. You’d be lucky to get a bottle of it at a secondary market pricing in a liquor store. (It’s also why our chosen April Fool’s Day joke this year was to “give away” a bottle of Pappy 23. Sorry not sorry.)

pappy van winkle bourbon
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The bar in question is the 85-year-old Chevy Chase Inn, the oldest bar in Lexington, Kentucky. This one-day-only Pap-stravaganza, otherwise known as the First Annual Pappy Thanksgiving, will take place on Sunday, November 18. On that wonderful day, the bar will sell its entire allotment of the whiskeys. Quick, figure out how to get to Lexington.

Recommended Videos

“The prices being charged for Pappy Van Winkle has gotten out of control. So many people right here in the heart of bourbon country can’t afford to try this delicious bourbon.”

The reasoning behind the move, according to Kevin Heathcoat, one of the owners of the Chevy Chase Inn, is simple.

“We feel that bourbon this special should be enjoyed, not looked at. The prices being charged for Pappy Van Winkle has gotten out of control. So many people right here in the heart of bourbon country can’t afford to try this delicious bourbon,” Heathcoat said in a statement. “Pappy is actually one of the most reasonably priced ultra-premium bourbons when it leaves the warehouse. Our industry and the secondary market is ruining it for working-class bourbon lovers everywhere.”

Heathcoat added, “My partners and I had been enjoying some great Kentucky bourbon when our Pappy was delivered. One of us said, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone could afford to try these bourbons?’ That is when we got the idea to host our First Annual Pappy Thanksgiving. We sobered up and still thought it was a great idea, so here we are.”

chevy chase inn lexington kentucky
Chevy Chase Inn/Facebook

The bar will open its doors at 2 p.m. and give everyone in line a wristband and a number. Starting at 4:30 p.m., the first 75 people in line will be guaranteed one pour of Pappy. Once they are gone, they’re gone. The Chevy Chase Inn will, however, have a good variety of other bourbons on hand for people to drink in addition to a raffle featuring Buffalo Trace distillery swag.

The bar has not said what “at cost” is, but does that really matter? It’s going to be cheaper than anywhere else around.

Sam Slaughter
Sam Slaughter was the Food and Drink Editor for The Manual. Born and raised in New Jersey, he’s called the South home for…
The best tips for grilling tri-tip like a backyard legend
Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor
grilled and sliced tri tip steak

I still remember the first time I tried to grill a tri-tip; I rushed it, flipped it too much, and ended up with meat that was somehow both dry and underdone. Since then, I’ve learned that tri-tip rewards a little patience and the right technique. If you’re aiming to impress with this flavorful cut, knowing how to treat it from start to finish makes all the difference. Whether you're using a charcoal grill or gas, these are the best tips for grilling tri-tip like a backyard legend — no gimmicks, just solid steps to help you get it right every single time.

1. Start with the right cut

Read more
Death & Co.’s Naked and Famous is the cocktail you’ll crave all summer
How to make a modern classic
Naked and Famous cocktail.

What makes the grade as a best summer cocktail contender? We have a few favorites, sure, but to predict this summer's runaway drink, we asked the pros at Death & Co. Unsurprisingly, they offered a tantalizing recipe.

Meet the Naked and Famous, a cocktail that's gone on to become a modern classic since it was first drawn up more than a dozen years ago. It pulls on all the right strings, from agave spirits to spritz culture and the traditionalism of Chartreuse. It's going to be your go-to this summer.

Read more
Do Dunkin’ Refreshers have caffeine? Here’s what I discovered after trying one
Dunkin's refreshers are more than just refreshing
Dunkin' Guava Refresher

Dunkin' Refreshers have been around since 2020, yet my first taste test was just a few days ago (yes, it took me five years to order a non-coffee drink at Dunkin'). After the latest launch of the Tropical Guava flavor, I finally gave in to try this fruity drink -- just in time for the warmer weather. The new Tropical Guava flavor, launched as part of Dunkin's early summer 2025 menu, joins existing refresher flavors such as Strawberry Dragonfruit and Mango Pineapple.

These fruity and colorful drinks will surely catch your eye if you're rolling through the Dunkin' drive-thru. But do Dunkin' refreshers have caffeine? I only asked this question after drinking one. As it turns out, these drinks are more than just a refreshing drink for a hot day. They're also excellent as an energy booster (for those of you, non-coffee drinkers).

Read more