How Do You Know if a Bottle Is Real?

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A bourbon retailer in kentucky accidentally bought fakes to sell in their shop, even after they'd checked the bottles. A famous chef at a chicago stake house served fake pappy at his restaurant without knowing. Look closely to see if the ink is smeared or the numbers look a little funny. Distilleries are looking for ways to stop these counterfeits.

When it comes to Kentucky bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle is among the most exclusive. You can’t get it unless you’re exceptionally lucky, exceptionally wealthy, or willing to break the law. The Pappy frenzy has the police, bartenders, and even the Van Winkle family themselves wringing their hands.

According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, sales of the most expensive American whiskeys have basically doubled since 2016, when we first looked into Pappy Van Winkle. We decided to find out what's happening now.

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