Founded in 1792, the Buffalo Trace Distillery is located in Frankfort, in the state of Kentucky. Owned by the Sazerac group, it has been known under several names including George T. Stagg and Old Fire Copper (OFC), and is thought to be the oldest distillery in operation in the United States. It produces an eponymous brand of bourbon, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, as well as numerous other brands including William Larue Weller, Thomas H. Handy, Georges T. Stagg and the famous Pappy Van Winkle.

A straight bourbon aged for at least 12 years, bottled by the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery (Frankfort, Kentucky). A version for the French and European market imported by La Maison du Whisky. Laser code K1190810:01. Bottle equipped with a cork stopper and red and gold foil seal.The first bottles of Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Old were imported to France in December 1999 by La Maison du Whisky, first in 75cl format, then in 70cl.