How the Rarest Bourbon Was Turned Into Jello Shots: A Retrospective

Jello shots fuel frat houses like electricity and natural gas. When you make this alcoholic treat, you might use cheap schnapps or vodka. What if you used a premier bourbon brand? 

A decade ago, a bar owner made jello shots from Pappy Van Winkle and caused quite the stir.  

When Pappy Van Winkle Got the Jello Treatment

Imagine being a college kid at the University of Louisville in 2014. After a Cardinals football game, you take your buddies to Meta for a classic celebration. This cocktail bar is famous for unconventional drinks and knowledgeable bartenders, so your crew gives it a chance. Sometimes, the bar even holds inexpensive bourbon tastings to engage the community. 

After all, you’re in the heart of bourbon country! Your first drink is a Kentucky maid, which entered the market around 2005, thanks to Sam Ross. Then, the bartender offers jello shots from a famous brand called Pappy Van Winkle. Everybody enjoys the alcoholic treat in various gelatin flavors like raspberry and cherry. Later, you find out the bar got in trouble for its concoctions. 

Why Were These Jello Shots So Controversial? 

Pappy Van Winkle is a luxury brand, each bottle costing a month’s rent or more. In theory, you’re supposed to sip it slowly and enjoy the drink. Bourbon collectors revere each glass, so jello shots might ruin their experience. 

It’s similar to owning a Ferrari. This luxury brand puts million-dollar price tags on its cars, yet the owners must keep them the same. Modifications require Ferrari approval, or else the manufacturer gets angry. The Italian brand could forbid you from buying its cars again because of the disapproval. 

Meta’s Pappy Van Winkle Hangover

You can find bourbon jello shots at bars nationwide. It’s completely normal to ask the bartender if they sell these treats. However, Meta was the center of controversy after serving Pappy Van Winkle in gelatin form. In fact, the bourbon brand stopped selling bottles to this bar because of the party shots. 

Meta’s special offering became famous in Louisville, grabbing Buffalo Trace’s attention. The bourbon distillery gradually reduced the bar’s annual allocation until it was completely cut off. While feuds are undesirable, the controversy actually helped Meta become popular in Louisville. 

How to Make Pappy Van Winkle Jello Shots

Have Pappy Van Winkle in the cupboard? You can make some gelatin shots for your next party! Just keep it to yourself and don’t tell the brand. Here are a few tips for your concoction:

• Use unflavored gelatin. 
• Control the heat to prevent evaporation. 
• Add lemon juice for brightness.
• Let the shots chill. 
• Keep the portions small.

Using Fancy Bourbon in Controversial Ways

Rules are made to be broken, so get creative with your bourbon. Still, you should be careful if you’re a bar owner. Some alcohol companies are particular about how you use their products!