Top 10 Rare Bourbons Increasing in Value Right Now
The world of rare bourbon has transformed from a niche hobby into a dynamic alternative asset market. Bottles that once sat on store shelves are now commanding impressive prices at auction and in private sales. For collectors and investors, knowing which bottles are gaining momentum is key. For those who happen to have one of these gems in their cellar, now might be the perfect time to capitalize on the soaring demand.
This post explores ten rare bourbons that are not just holding their worth but are actively increasing in value. We'll look at what makes each one special and why collectors are willing to pay a premium to add them to their collections. If you own any of these bottles, you could be holding a significant liquid asset.
1. Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve (20-Year & 23-Year)
It’s impossible to discuss valuable bourbon without mentioning Pappy Van Winkle. While the entire lineup is coveted, the 20-Year and 23-Year expressions are in a league of their own. Produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, these wheated bourbons are legendary for their smooth, complex flavor profiles derived from extended aging.
Their value is driven by extreme scarcity and an almost mythical reputation. With only a few thousand bottles released annually, the demand far outstrips supply, causing secondary market prices to climb consistently year after year.
2. Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC)
The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, released each fall, is a showcase of some of the finest American whiskeys. The collection includes five distinct bottles, but George T. Stagg (a barrel-proof, uncut, and unfiltered bourbon) and William Larue Weller (a barrel-proof wheated bourbon) are often the most sought-after.
Their value is fueled by their limited, annual release and the exceptional quality of the liquid inside. Each year's vintage has a unique proof and character, making them highly collectible. As bourbon enthusiasts seek to complete vertical collections (one bottle from each year), older releases become even more valuable.
3. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
Released annually on September 2nd to honor founder George Garvin Brown's birthday, the Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is a vintage-dated whiskey. Each release is comprised of barrels all distilled on the same day, creating a unique snapshot of a specific time in the distillery's history.
Its limited availability—typically around 100-120 barrels—and the one-of-a-kind flavor profile of each vintage make it a prime target for collectors. As new editions are released, past years often see a significant jump in value, especially those from highly-regarded years.
4. Michter's 20-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Michter's is known for its "cost-be-damned" approach to whiskey making, and their ultra-aged expressions are the pinnacle of this philosophy. The Michter's 20-Year is not released annually; it only appears when Master Distiller Dan McKee deems a batch of barrels ready. This infrequent release schedule makes it incredibly rare.
Collectors seek it for its exceptional quality and the prestige associated with the Michter's name. Its rich, nuanced flavor profile, a result of two decades of patient aging, is something few distilleries can replicate, cementing its status as a top-tier investment-grade bourbon.
5. Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof
Part of the esteemed E.H. Taylor, Jr. line from Buffalo Trace, the Barrel Proof expression is released in limited quantities throughout the year. As the name suggests, it is bottled directly from the barrel—uncut and unfiltered—offering a pure and powerful tasting experience.
The combination of the respected E.H. Taylor brand, its barrel-proof nature, and its limited availability creates strong collector demand. Its value has steadily risen as more enthusiasts discover its bold flavor and high quality.
6. Willett Family Estate Bottled Bourbon
The Willett Family Estate line is known for its single-barrel bottlings, meaning each release is entirely unique. These bourbons, often featuring an iconic purple foil top, have gained a cult following for their exceptional and varied flavor profiles.
Because each barrel is different, certain releases become legendary within collector circles. The thrill of the hunt for a specific "honey barrel" and the brand's reputation for quality have driven values to remarkable heights. Older bottlings are particularly prized.
7. A.H. Hirsch Reserve 16-Year Straight Bourbon
Often called "The Best Bourbon You'll Never Taste," the A.H. Hirsch Reserve is a piece of bourbon history. Distilled in 1974 at the original Michter's Distillery in Pennsylvania (which later closed), this whiskey is legendary for its butterscotch and vanilla notes.
Its value comes from its incredible story and finite supply. No more can ever be made, turning each remaining bottle into an irreplaceable artifact from a bygone era of distilling. As these bottles are opened and consumed, the remaining sealed examples become exponentially more valuable.
8. Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch
Each year, Four Roses releases a Limited Edition Small Batch that showcases the blending artistry of their Master Distiller. Using a combination of their ten unique bourbon recipes, each annual release is a distinct and non-replicable creation.
The high-quality, complex flavor profiles and the collectible nature of the annual series drive its value. Many collectors aim to acquire a bottle from every year, increasing the desirability of past releases. These are consistently rated among the best bourbons in the world.
9. Parker's Heritage Collection
Released annually by Heaven Hill Distillery, the Parker's Heritage Collection is a tribute to former Master Distiller Parker Beam. Each edition is different, showcasing various whiskey styles, from high-rye bourbons to wheat whiskeys and even unique finishes.
The series is both a celebration of innovation and a fundraiser for ALS research, a cause dear to the Beam family. This combination of exceptional, one-off whiskeys and a charitable component has made the collection highly respected and sought after. Older editions, in particular, have seen substantial value appreciation.
10. Stagg (Formerly Stagg Jr.) Barrel Proof Bourbon
A younger sibling to the BTAC titan George T. Stagg, Stagg (formerly Stagg Jr.) is a barrel-proof bourbon that offers a similarly bold experience. Released in several batches per year, it has become one of the most hunted-for bottles on the market due to its high quality and relatively accessible (though still difficult to find) nature.
As Buffalo Trace recently dropped the "Jr." from its name, bottles with the original "Stagg Jr." label are becoming even more desirable to collectors. The consistent quality and massive demand ensure that its value continues to climb.
Turn Your Rare Bourbon into Cash
The market for rare bourbon is hotter than ever. If you have any of these bottles in your collection, you could be sitting on a valuable asset. However, navigating the selling process can be complex and risky.
At We Buy Bottles, we make it safe and simple to sell your rare spirits. We provide fair, market-based cash offers, handle all the logistics with prepaid and insured shipping, and ensure you get paid quickly and securely.
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Request a free, no-obligation quote from our team of experts today. We’ll help you understand the true value of your collection and provide a seamless path to cashing in on your investment.
