Bourbon collecting has become a popular hobby for enthusiasts, with some bottles highly prized both for their quality and rarity. Here are five of the most collectible bourbons, celebrated for their distinctiveness, limited availability, or historical significance:
- Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year Old
- Why It’s Collectible: Pappy Van Winkle bourbons are extremely sought after due to their exceptional quality and very limited production. The 15-year-old is particularly prized because it strikes many collectors as the best balance of maturity and flavor among the Pappy lineup. Its rarity and the lore surrounding the Pappy brand make it a must-have.
- George T. Stagg
- Why It’s Collectible: Part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, George T. Stagg is released annually in small quantities and is known for its uncut, unfiltered style and robust proof, often exceeding 120 proof. This bourbon is renowned for its depth and complexity, which it develops through extended aging in warehouses with significant temperature variations.
- Michter’s 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- Why It’s Collectible: Michter’s 20 Year is famed for its rich, mature flavor profile that includes notes of vanilla, caramel, and spices. The age statement alone makes this a rarity in the bourbon world, as very few bourbons are allowed to mature for two decades. Each annual release is highly anticipated and quickly snapped up by collectors.
- William Larue Weller
- Why It’s Collectible: Another gem from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, William Larue Weller is a wheated bourbon, meaning it replaces the more common rye grain in the mash bill with wheat, resulting in a smoother taste profile. It’s also cask strength and known for its exceptional quality. The bourbon’s scarcity and high ratings make it highly collectible.
- Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch
- Why It’s Collectible: Released annually, these limited editions are crafted by blending multiple bourbons of different recipes and ages, resulting in a complex and unique flavor profile each year. The careful craftsmanship and limited availability make each release highly anticipated and a sought-after collector’s item.
These bourbons represent some of the finest and most desirable in the market, with each offering something unique in terms of flavor, history, and collectability. For bourbon collectors, acquiring any of these bottles can be seen as both an investment and a treasure.