Whiskeys like Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, Wild Turkey Bourbon, and Bulleit Rye Whiskey are great everyday whiskeys. However, while they offer an exceptional drinking experience, they aren't collector's items. They're ubiquitous, and you'll find them at most brick-and-mortar and online liquor stores.
That's why rare whiskeys are so appealing to whiskey enthusiasts. Unlike everyday whiskeys, they're pretty challenging to find and typically aged for longer, making them highly sought-after.
If you're a whiskey connoisseur looking to add to your rare whiskey collection or a newbie collector looking to start your collection, here are 11 rare whiskeys worth tracking down.
1. WhistlePig Beholden 21 Year Single Malt
Located in the heart of Vermont, WhistlePig has gained a reputation for producing exceptional whiskeys, and their Beholden 21 Year Single Malt is no exception.
Crafted using traditional Scottish distillation methods, WhistlePig Beholden 21 Year Single Malt is aged in oak barrels for an impressive 21 years. This extended maturation period allows the whiskey to develop depth and complexity, resulting in an exquisite whiskey with notes of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and a gentle touch of oak spice that lingers on the finish.
Just 18 barrels of WhistlePig Beholden 21 Year Single Malt were produced during its initial run, so it's an extremely rare whiskey. So, if you come across this rare gem, consider grabbing it before there's a stock-out.
2. Suntory Yamazaki 18 Year Japanese Whisky
Hailing from the esteemed House of Suntory distillery in Japan, Suntory Yamazaki 18 Year Japanese Whiskey is a shining example of the artistry and meticulous craftsmanship Japanese whiskies are renowned for.
Aged for just under two decades in American, Japanese Mizunara and Spanish oak sherry casks, Suntory Yamazaki exudes a bold character and plenty of depth. On the palate, the whisky excites the taste buds with its intricate combination of dark chocolate, strawberry jam, blackberry, and creamy vanilla that will leave you craving more.
If you're a Japanese Whiskey connoisseur searching for rare gems, consider adding Suntory Yamazaki 18 Year Japanese Whisky to your collection.
3. Heaven Hill 17 Year Old Barrel Proof Bourbon
Heaven Hill's 17 Year Old Barrel Proof Bourbon is a true Kentucky treasure. Carefully aged for 17 years, the straight bourbon has become a prized gem among whiskey lovers because of its remarkable quality and depth.
On the palate, Heaven's Hill will delight your taste buds with its intoxicating blend of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, accompanied by hints of dry fruit, baked spices, and a touch of leather. If you're a Bourbon enthusiast looking to add a premium bottle to your collection, then consider grabbing a bottle of Heaven Hill 17 Year Old Barrel Proof Bourbon.
4. Springbank 30 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2022
The Springbank 30 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2022 is a rare whisky that's a Scotch Whisky lover's fantasy come true. Crafted in Campbeltown, Scotland, the limited edition whisky showcases the unparalleled expertise of the Springbank distillery.
The whisky is matured for an impressive three decades, resulting in a well-balanced whisky with a complex flavor profile. With its deep amber hue, enticing aromas of dried fruits, rich toffee, and gentle peat smoke, and a palate that unfolds layers of dark chocolate, honeyed malt, and light peat smoke, Springbank 30 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2022 is certain to captivate your taste buds with every sip.
5. Booker’s 25th Anniversary Bourbon
Booker's 25th Anniversary Bourbon is a tribute to the legacy of Booker Noe, a legend in the Bourbon world. The limited edition release commemorates 25 years of the Booker's Small Batch Bourbon line and pays homage to Noe's passion and craftsmanship.
Bottled at cass strength, Booker's 25th Anniversary Bourbon showcases the raw power and intensity that's synonymous with Booker. On the nose, it offers an enticing aroma of nuts, coffee, and oak and a palate bursting with flavors of baked spices, creamy vanilla, and caramel. Grab a bottle of the rare whiskey if you love uncut whiskeys.
6. Colonel E.H Taylor Amaranth Grain Of The Gods
Colonel E.H. Taylor Amaranth Grain of the Gods is an extraordinary and rare whiskey that pays tribute to Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., a trailblazer in the American whiskey industry. The limited edition whiskey stands out with its innovative use of amaranth grain in the mash bill, resulting in a whiskey of unparalleled distinction.
With its captivating light copper color, enticing aromas of caramel, butterscotch and delicate spices, and a palate that reveals layers of coffee, vanilla, honey, and a touch of oak, Colonel E.H. Taylor Amaranth Grain of the Gods is a rare gem that whiskey connoisseurs prize for its rich taste and velvety mouthfeel.
7. Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Years
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Years bourbon is steeped in history and revered by whiskey enthusiasts worldwide. Produced by the Sazerac Company at its Buffalo Trace Distillery, the small-batch bourbon is aged to perfection for a decade, resulting in a rich yet smooth bourbon.
With its rich copper color and enticing caramel, vanilla, and oak aromas, Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Years captivates the senses from the first sip. It excites the palate with a fusion of flavors, including cherry, honey, dried fruits, and baked spices, leading to a satisfying finish. With its limited availability and cult-like following, Old Rip Van Winkle is a must-have for any bourbon lover.
8. Michter’s 25 Year Bourbon - 2020 Release
Michter's 25 Year Bourbon - 2020 Release is the epitome of rarity and refinement. Aged for an impressive 25 years, Michter's represents the artistry of the Michter's distillery. The exceptionally long aging process imparts a depth and character that lingers on the palate, tantalizing it with a symphony of flavors, including dried fruits, vanilla, and warm spices.
While it's one of the costliest rare bourbons on this list, Michter's 25 Year Bourbon offers an unparalleled sensory experience. If you're an avid bourbon collector, consider adding this bottle to your collection.
9. Sazerac Straight Rye 18 Year Old 2021
The Sazerac Straight Rye 18 Year Old 2021 is a true gem in the world of rye whiskey. Aged for an exceptional 18 years, it showcases the harmonious fusion of time and oak influence.
Upon sipping, the palate is treated to a symphony of flavors, including bold spices, leather molasses, and rich oak. The long, lingering finish leaves a warm and satisfying trail, making Sazerac Straight Rye 18 Year Old 2021 a coveted treasure for rye enthusiasts and collectors alike. If you're looking for a rare and great-tasting rye whiskey, this brand is undoubtedly one of the best you'll encounter.
10. Talisker Xpedition Oak 43 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Talisker Xpedition Oak 43 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a truly extraordinary and exceedingly rare expression that encapsulates the essence of time and the rugged beauty of the Isle of Skye. Crafted with meticulous care and aged for an astonishing 43 years, the limited edition whiskey from the Talisker distillery showcases their dedication to excellence.
The whisky's inviting mahogany hue beckons the senses, while the nose is greeted with the briny sea air, hints of smoky peat, and the richness of roasted oak. On the palate, the whisky floods the taste buds with a cascade of dried fruit, honeyed malt, and spicy flavors, creating a captivating flavor profile.
With a limited release of just over 1,800 bottles to commemorate the year the Talisker Distillery was founded, Talisker Xpedition Oak 43 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is truly a rare collector's item. If you're a Scotch Whisky connoisseur with a preference for peated whiskies, this whisky will make an excellent addition to your collection.
11. Old Fitzgerald 11 Year Bottled In Bond 2021 Fall Release
Old Fitzgerald 11 Year Bottled In Bond 2021 Fall Release resurrects the legacy of this historic bourbon brand. Crafted according to the stringent ''Bottled in Bond'' regulations, it showcases the artistry and tradition of Kentucky bourbon.
When poured into a whiskey glass, Old Fitzgerald displays a rich light copper hue that hints at the richness within. The first sip floods the taste buds with a burst of mellow vanilla, baked spices, and toasted oak that leaves a warm and satisfying finish. If you're just starting a bourbon collection, consider adding Old Fitzgerald 11 Year Bottled In Bond 2021 Fall Release to your collection.
Conclusion
From bourbon and Scotch to rye and Japanese whisky, there's a rare whiskey for every kind of whiskey enthusiast. If you're interested in starting your own whiskey collection, check out our online store for a wide collection of rare whiskeys.
FAQs
What Is Considered a Rare Whiskey?
Distilleries often produce rare whiskeys in limited quantities due to factors such as limited production runs, limited editions, or extended aging periods. As a result, collectors and enthusiasts covet them due to their scarcity and stellar quality.
What Is the World's Rarest Whiskey?
The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare is often regarded as the world's rarest whiskey. Distilled in 1926 and bottled in 1986, only 40 bottles of the Macallan 1926 were initially produced, with each bottle individually numbered and engraved with a label designed by renowned artists.
How Can You Determine the Quality of a Whiskey?
Several factors contribute to the quality of whiskeys. When assessing a whiskey's quality, it's important to evaluate its taste, aroma, mouthfeel, balance, and finish. It's also important to consider the maturation period and the distiller.
What Makes Certain Whiskey Brands Expensive?
Expensive whiskey brands often use high-quality ingredients and fresh grains. Certain whiskey brands also cost more because they are rare, aged for extended periods and produced using meticulous production techniques such as traditional pot distillation.