23 Rare Bourbons: A Collector’s Guide

This fine, rare whiskey is one to be enjoyed neat as to really get the full flavor of it. It’s distilled by Buffalo Trace Distillery and is known for its smooth, refreshing finish. You’ll notice notes of caramel, cream, and oak, with a slight flavor of maple spice. 

Speaking of Buffalo Trace, the Antique Bourbon collection is another great find. As you sip this fine liquor, you’ll taste a strong flavor of dark chocolate and sweet vanilla and then a subtle yet riveting note of berries, dates, and tobacco. Enjoy this bourbon drink neat or over the rocks for the best-tasting experience.

A.H. Hirsch Reserve 1974 16-year-old bourbon is a scarce find. Known for its strong and bold flavors of oak and citrus, it’s best to serve this rare bourbon neat. Although, if you choose to try this one out, bring your checkbook because it is rather pricey but worth the splurge. 

This ultra-rare Buffalo Trace bourbon is a result of the 2006 tornado that devastated parts of Kentucky. The distillery is still standing today, but this storm caused barrels of whiskey to be left outside in the Kentucky weather. Fortunately, the weather and the barrels worked in our favor and created a delicious-tasting bourbon we may never taste again. 

The Elijah Craig 23-year-old single barrel is another rare bourbon that will knock your socks off. This tasty feature hails from Heaven Hill Distillery, located in Bardstown, Kentucky. You’ll love the notes of toasted cocoa and buttery popcorn combined with a smooth, lacey finish. 

This rare yet delicious bourbon is one worth celebrating. Created in a small batch as a contribution to Al Young and the 50th anniversary of the 4 roses brand, this blend is a perfect bourbon for sipping. It has a rich, oaky body with floral and honeysuckle flavors. Enjoy this one neat or on the rocks but never mixed with anything but ice. 

Angels Envy Maderia cask is an American bourbon aged in special Madeira casks. You’ll first notice the sweet aroma of vanilla and cherry; then you’ll be greeted by the taste of toasted oak, grass, and smoke; finally, a satisfying finish of almond and hazelnut completes the journey of sipping the Angels Envy Maderia Cask bourbon. 

Another rare bourbon to try is the Blue Run 14-year-old Small batch. Distilled by Blue Run Spririts LLC, this drink will never disappoint. It has a vanilla and orange scent, with a faint clove flavor and lingering heat finish. 

The Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is the 22nd rendition of the Birthday celebratory batch in honor of founder George Garvin Brown. Its faint, fruity flavor combined with the smooth and velvety coffee finish makes this a tasty batch.

Suppose you’re looking for a rare bourbon that’s both smooth and refreshing look no further than the Michter’s Limited Release 25-year-old bourbon. This bourbon is made in Kentucky with a mouthfeel of complexity and flavors such as molasses, chocolate, and smoked nuts. Enjoy this beverage neat for the full taste. 

This Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey is a great addition to this list of rare bourbons because it’s incredibly unique and tastes great. Flavors of almond, corn, and toasty vanilla will fill your mouth as you sip this tasty treat. 

The Blue Note 17-year-old bourbon is a taste you won’t soon forget. Aged in oak barrels for 17 years, this bourbon batch is smooth and delectable. Notes of citrus and pine undertones present themselves as you gently take your first sip. 

This presidential bourbon has a robust flavor and distinct taste. Its light copper color is pleasing to the eye, while the bold, earthy notes of oak and smokey vanilla reel you in. This bourbon is best made neat. 

This bourbon is known for its authenticity and delicious flavor. It’s a rare find but totally worth it. You’ll notice hints of floral and citrus aromas as you take in the scent, and then as you take your first sip, smokey cocoa and toasted almond flavors will fill your palate. 

Blanton’s Gold Edition is a rare bourbon that boasts great flavor and a velvety finish. This unique bourbon is a gorgeous caramel brown color created by Buffalo Trace Distillery. It has tobacco, caramel, and honey flavors that will excite your taste buds. 

This rare bourbon is delicious, and it matures twice as long as the original bourbon and comes in a collector's eagle decanter. The aroma of this bourbon is light and Oakey, while the taste boasts vanilla, caramel, and honey flavors.

The Orphan Barrel Distilling company created this 22-year-old relic as a rare find that will wow the bourbon-loving community. Beginning with flavors of toasted grains and cherries, notes of dark chocolate, ripe banana, and fresh clove notes explode for a unique taste. 

This Irish whiskey blend is a tasty addition to our rare bourbon list and tops the charts with some of the best finishes. You’ll love the notes of red apples, figs, and dates and the incredibly smooth, nutty finish. 

Produced by Heaven’s Hill in Kentucky, Old Ezra 101 15-year bourbon is truly a great find. It has a zesty flavor of citrus and oak with a strong, powerful finish. You’ll want to drink this bourbon neat or over the rocks to get the whole tasting experience.

Another rare bourbon to add to the list is the Old Rip Can Winkle 25-year-old Bourbon. This bourbon has a smooth, oaky flavor with a robust, lingering finish. You’ll love this one served near or over the rocks, and it pairs nicely with sharp cheese or dark chocolate.

Redemption 36-year-old bourbon is a rare bourbon with a full body and savory taste. As you take in the scent of this tasty dark liquor, you’ll notice the aroma of coffee, citrus, and smoke. As you take your first sip, you’ll taste fried orange, anise, and cinnamon flavor.

This rare bourbon is another great find. It’s a single-barrel Kentucky Whiskey Bourbon that's known for its donut-shaped bottle. It has a rich, smokey flavor with notes of cherries and wild berries undertones. Enjoy this tasty treat either on the rocks or neat.

Finally, as we conclude our list of the best rare bourbons, the Parker’s Heritage Collection 1996 Cask Strength Small Batch Straight Bourbon is a great find. It’s original cask strength, wheat whiskey but aged to perfection. You’ll notice the flavor of apple, cinnamon, and oak as you take your first sip, and then finally, a delightful, smokey finish.