In the world of fine spirits, few names evoke as much reverence as Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Family Reserve. This Kentucky bourbon whiskey is renowned not only for its exquisite flavor but also for its rarity. The iconic image of Julian Van Winkle, Sr., affectionately known as “Pappy,” smoking a cigar graces the label, which is elegantly draped around its uniquely-shaped bottle. While its retail price is steep—often in the hundreds of dollars—finding a bottle is a challenge in itself. At auctions, this coveted bourbon can fetch prices that soar into the thousands—sometimes as high as $4,199.99.

It’s no wonder then, that someone like Monty Miller, played by Jon Hamm in the series Landman, would be enamored with Pappy Van Winkle. Owning a bottle is a testament to one’s wealth, status, and refined taste in premium spirits.

Monty’s love for Pappy Van Winkle transcends even death. In a poignant scene from Landman Season 2, Episode 4, Cami Miller, portrayed by Demi Moore, visits her late husband’s grave. She quips, “You can have this again,” while acknowledging a cemetery rule that prohibits leaving bottles behind. She then opens a new, rare bottle of Pappy and pours it over Monty’s grave, a luxurious tribute to his memory.

So what is Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve in Landman? Why does Cami Have Poppy in her purse?  

The aftermath of Monty Miller’s passing is a central theme in Landman Season 2. Cami, alongside Tommy Norris, played by Billy Bob Thornton, strives to sustain the oil and gas company that Monty established. Her mission extends beyond the business; she is determined to uphold Monty’s legacy and the Miller family’s esteemed status in Fort Worth society. Their wealth and reputation hold significance, underscored by Cami’s choice of the near-mythical Pappy Van Winkle for her solemn gesture.

But the allure of Pappy Van Winkle isn’t confined to fictional narratives. Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain once praised it on The Layover in 2012, calling it “the most glorious bourbon on the face of the planet.” The bourbon’s legendary status even inspired an episode of the Netflix docuseries Heist, detailing a 2013 theft of several cases from the Kentucky distillery. The legacy of Pappy Van Winkle, both in real life and fiction, continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Sitting beside his gravestone in Episode 4 of Landman Season 2, the empty bottle tucked back in her purse, Cami misses her husband dearly. “Oh Monty, the 30th anniversary. I thought we’d have 20 more.” And he certainly loved Cami, too. But in that moment, you can also half imagine Hamm as Monty, crying out for 20 more ounces of his beloved Pappy whiskey. Pour more years!

Johnny Loftus (@johnnyloftus.bsky.social) is a Chicago-based writer. A veteran of the alternative weekly trenches, his work has also appeared in Entertainment Weekly, Pitchfork, The All Music Guide, and The Village Voice.