I hear you on that I was fortunate enough to have a lot of the van winkle line before it was so popular and expensive. While good it’s hard to justify to myself now. I have not had the Eagle rare 17 but I was blown away by heaven hill 90th anniversary if you like a heavy char it’s pretty damn goodI've had Pappy 15. I found it great, but very hot. Much hotter than Stagg Jr. even though not nearly the proof. At the absolute criminal rates than any Van Winkle can go for, i would buy something else. (Of course, you said something about the lottery which changes things) The only bourbon that has ever really blown the back of my head off was Eagle Rare 17. Someone bought me a pour and angels starting singing!
