Do you want to get your hands on the rare & hard to find bourbon? As the title suggests, you need to put in extra work to get your hands on the whiskey. But, this hard work comes with a reward, offering you some of the best-tasting Kentucky whiskeys.
The good news is you don’t have to go through this process as I’ve done the work for you. There’s an endless array of rare bourbon whiskeys made. However, very few stand out as the best.
20 Best Elusive Bourbons
I’ve shared 20 of the best hard-to-find bourbons and where exactly you can get them to get the taste of fine whiskey.
1. Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bourbon 2022 Release
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Price: $340.99
Proof: 59.9% ABV/119.8 US Proof
Size: 750ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers) and some physical liquor stores
The Angel’s Envy Cask Strength is what you stock in your home bar for those special milestone celebrations. The Kentucky bottled bourbon features a well-rounded bottle and is a favorite among enthusiasts and novices.
Among the critically acclaimed whiskey collections, Angel’s Envy Cask Strength bourbon is made in some of the unique barrels in the distiller’s facilities. Further, it is aged in port wine casks for an additional 14 months.
The bourbon develops notes of leather, brown sugar, and caramel on the nose finished off with crème Brule, marshmallow, green apple, and citrus orange.
On the other hand, the bourbon opens up with pleasant notes of apples, caramel, toasted oak, and black pepper on the palate. It finishes with lingering fruit notes.
Also check: 20 Best High End Bourbons
2. Kentucky Owl ‘Takumi Edition’ Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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Price: $124.99
Proof: 50% ABV/100 US Proof
Size:750ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers) and some physical liquor stores
The Takumi Edition of the Kentucky Owl Bourbon is a special collaboration between the bourbon master blender, John Rhea, and Nagahama Distillery Master Blender, Yahisa Yusuke.
The bourbon collection is pretty elusive on the market, on the account of the limited number of bottles produced. Only 25,000 bottles of this straight bourbon aged, 4, 5, 6, and 13 years are released to the market.
The bourbon is distilled from mash bills of corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley and bottled at 100 proof. The combined skill and experience of the two master distillers help to produce rich bourbon with savory, sweet caramel, fruity, and spicy notes.
On the nose, the bourbon features confectionary rye bread, caramel, and fruit aromas. on the plate, you get buttery rye bread, caramel, cinnamon, and orchard fruit, with a long delicious finish.
More: 25 Best Kentucky Bourbons
3. Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select 2022 Holiday Edition Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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Price: $53.99
Proof: 45.2% ABV/90.4 US Proof
Size: 1000ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers) and some physical liquor stores
Rare bourbon doesn’t always have to be expensive. Options like the Woodford Reserve Holiday Edition offers a budget-friendly yet, incredible quality straight bourbon option.
The limited edition bottle is easily identified by its striking golden label. This 2022 holiday edition bourbon is crafted in small batches and rested in new char oak barrels.
Further, the bourbon is crafted using a special artisanal process that uses all five sources of the bourbon flavor. As a result, you get a distinct flavor with a crisp and clean finish.
In fact, the bourbon combines over 200 detectable flavors with bold grain, wood, sweet aromatics, spice, fruit, and floral characteristics.
The 2022 holiday edition whiskey features rich notes of dried fruit, mint, orange, cocoa, vanilla, and tobacco spice on the nose.
When you taste it you get a rich, chewy yet, rounded and smooth feel with a combination of citrus, cinnamon cocoa, toffee, caramel, chocolate, and spices.
The bourbon finishes with a silky smooth and creamy feel that transitions to a long, warm and satisfying tail. The bourbon achieves a clear honey-amber complexion.
4. Brother’s Bond Original Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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Price: $69.99
Proof: 57.9% ABV/115.8
Size: 750ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers) and some physical liquor stores
The Brother’s bond Original Cask Strength limited release boasts an undiluted, unfiltered, and uncut version of the straight bourbon.
The bourbon is rich, packed with flavors, and well-balanced. A brainchild of the Vampire Diaries co-stars, Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, the bourbon combines a mash bill of corn, rye, wheat, and barley sourced from American farms.
The bourbon is distilled in copper columns and aged in American white oak barrels to produce an excellent luxurious sipper.
The bourbons boast aromatic and pleasant notes of honey, rye bread, dried fruit, vanilla, caramel, and orange marmalade. You will also get earth, nutty, and smoky hints.
5. Barrell Bourbon Batch 026
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Price: $90.99
Proof: 56.32% ABV/112.64 US Proof
Size: 750ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers) and some physical liquor stores
The Barrel Bourbon Batch 026 is created from balanced 9, 10, 11, and 15-year-old barrels. The mixing and long aging of these various blends give it its bold and complex flavor profiles.
This rare, award-winning blend produces a unique whiskey with strong citrus and baking spice notes.
The bourbon also releases interesting tropical fruit aromas balanced by fresh dried fruit and spice. On the palate, it offers a rich caramelized brown sugar taste with allspice and vanilla thanks to the charred barrels it matures in.
6. Widow Jane 15-Year-Old The Vaults 2021 Bourbon Whiskey
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Price: $286.99
Proof: 49.5% ABV/99 US Proof
Size: 750ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers) and some physical liquor stores
The Widow Jane 15-Year-Old Bourbon is what you stock your home bar with on days you want to experience unique bourbon flavors.
Crafted with these special flavors, you want to break out of this incredible Kentucky whiskey to celebrate special milestones or even show off to your friends.
The straight bourbon achieves broken-in leather, sassafras, and birch beer aromas. When you take the first sip, you get inviting notes of mint, tobacco, vanilla, and lemon zest. The bourbon finishes off with a long mouth feel with pleasant maple notes.
7. Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2020 Antique Collection Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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Price: $2,221.99
Proof: 50.5% ABV/101 US Proof
Size: 750ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers) and some physical liquor stores
If you are in the mood for a splurge you can’t go wrong with the nearly 2 decades old Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old 2020 Antique Collection.
The bourbon is aged in #4 char white oak casks for over 18 years despite its name, as a tribute to the original Eagle Rare brand released in 1974.
The award-winning bourbon dished out by the Buffalo Trace Distillery boasts beautiful ripe cherry, vanilla, baking spice, and oak nose aroma.
Further, it comes with balanced flavor notes of caramel, dark fruit, spice, and coffee. The whiskey finishes off with a long and oaky feel with hints of spice, herbs, pepper, and some earthiness.
8. George T. Stagg 2013 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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Price: $2,332.99
Proof: 64.1% ABV/128.2 US Proof
Size: 750ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers and Drizly) and some physical liquor stores
The George T. Stagg 2013 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is exquisite rare bourbon best enjoyed on special occasions. The full-bodied bourbon features a complex profile with luxurious sweet, spicy, and dry flavors. A product of the famed Buffalo trace distillery, Top of Form
George T. Stagg’s 2013 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a limited antique collection aged for about 15 years to develop its intense flavors.
In fact, to best savor, the taste simply add a splash of water and enjoy! The luxurious bourbon packs sweet caramel notes with hints of leather and allspice. It finishes with a long feel with wood and tobacco notes.
9. Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
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Price: $204.99
Proof: 46.5% ABV/93 US Proof
Size: 750ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers) and some physical liquor stores
The 23-year-old Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon whiskey stands out among the best bourbons on the market. In fact, the bourbon has even won more points than higher-end Kentucky whiskeys at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
The bourbon is aged in the same warehouse section as the Blanton Private Reserve over 50 years ago and is hand selected for bottling based on its flavor. The award-winning Kentucky bourbon achieves an apple and cinnamon nose with faint notes of caramel and vanilla.
On the other hand, the bourbon packs rich flavors of sweet peach, pears, and dried apricot. The flavors transition to cinnamon and baking spice while finishing with maple syrup and molasses.
10. Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 23-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey
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Price: $5,554.99
Proof: 47.8% ABV/95.6 US Proof
Size: 750ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers) and some physical liquor stores
The Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve is aged for up to 23 years, earning it five stars and multiple awards. In fact, this rare and hard to find bourbon is one of the most sought-after bourbons in the world. Instead of rye, the bourbon uses wheat and matured in casks for at least 23 years.
The Kentucky whiskey features a blend of caramel, soft cream, and honey oak aroma complemented by flavor notes of vanilla, maple syrup, and roasted nuts. On the other hand, it has a long and woody finish with sophisticated hints of citrus and spice.
11. W.L. Weller Special Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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Price: $78.99
Proof: 45% ABV/90 US Proof
Size: 750ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers) and some physical liquor stores
The gold medal and silver medal recipient of various World spirits Competitions, the W.L. Weller Bourbon undergoes a sophisticated crafting process to achieve exceptional smoothness.
Using wheat in place of rye grain, the whiskey achieves a burnt orange color with soft flavor notes to make it an incredible sipper.
It also blends well with multiple cocktail ingredients. The straight bourbon features a sweet caramel nose with tasting notes of butterscotch, honey, and a soft woodiness. Further, the bourbon finishes off with a smooth, delicate, and calm feel complemented by hints of honeysuckle.
12. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Whiskey (2020 Release)
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Price: $1,665.99
Proof: 49% ABV/98 US Proof
Size: 750ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers) and some physical liquor stores
The 2020 edition of the Old Forester Bourbon celebrates the brand’s 150th anniversary and the birthday of George Gavin Brown.
Made from 95 barrels of 10-year-old bourbon achieves a unique character with incredible notes and flavors. It boasts delicately balanced aroma notes of magnolia, citrus, vanilla, leather, cocoa, and spice.
The flavor profile is further complemented by notes of sweet brown sugar, caramel, and tropical fruit. On the other hand, the bourbon boasts flavor notes of caramel and toffee with sweet tropical notes of banana, mango, coconut, and faint nuts. The Kentucky bourbon finishes with a long and dry feel and a touch of anise.
13. Double Eagle Very Rare 20-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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Price: $16,665.99
Proof: 45% ABV/90 US Proof
Size: 750ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers) and some physical liquor stores
As the name suggests, the 20 Year Old Double Eagle Very Rare Bourbon is twice the age of the 10-year-old Eagle Rare. The bourbon references its age and two eagle figurines in the form of a stopper and on the bottle.
With only 299 bottles produced, the luxury bourbon is extremely rare but, definitely worth the investment.
This collector’s bourbon is aged in new American oak casks for about 20 years in the intense Kentucky sun. As a result, the straight Kentucky bourbon achieves luxurious hints of vanilla, toasted oak, and caramel with hints of elegant oak.
14. Four Roses Platinum Super Premium Bourbon Whiskey
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Price: $272.99
Proof: 43% ABV/86 US Proof
Size: 750ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers) and some physical liquor stores
The export-only Four Roses Platinum Bourbon is primarily distributed in Japan. However, you can also find it in select physical and online stores, like Caskers. This rare bourbon features a complex and well-balanced profile, mainly emanating sweet and floral notes.
The bourbon features a light and floral with sweet and floral notes of vanilla and spicy oak. On the palate, it has a well-balanced sweet and fruity profile that transitions to lavender, apple, and pear notes. On the other hand, the bourbon finishes a medium-long feel.
15. Wild Turkey 13-Year-Old Distiller’s Reserve Bourbon Whiskey
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Price: $288.99
Proof: 45.5% ABV/91 US Proof
Size: 750ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers) and some physical liquor stores
The rare Wild Turkey 13-Year-Old Bourbon features a well-balanced flavor profile with a 91 US proof – less than the regular 101 US Proof. This rarely available develops a beautiful copper hue with a sweet vanilla spice, caramel, nutmeg, and cinnamon nose.
On the other end, the straight bourbon whiskey features complex flavor notes of toasted caramel, sweet charred oak, leather vanilla, pepper, and a faint citrus hint.
The sipping Kentucky bourbon finishes with a medium-long and well-balanced feel. You will also get hints of oak, clove, and vanilla spice.
16. Old Fitzgerald 8-Year Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Spring 2021)
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Price: $401.99
Proof: 50% ABV/100 US Proof
Size: 750ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers) and some physical liquor stores
The spring version of the Old Fitzgerald 8-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon is one of the brand’s rare bourbon varieties.
A home bar favorite, the top-shelf whiskey offers an exquisite flavor profile. It opens up to an incredibly sweet and spicy nose with notes of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and oak.
Its inviting palate boasts a beautiful combination of vanilla, summer fruits, peppercorn spice, and faint notes of each. Additionally, the straight Kentucky bourbon has a light finish with sweeter notes.
You can best enjoy this elusive spirit neat, by adding a splash of water, or a few ice rocks to slightly decrease its intensity.
17. Blanton’s Gold Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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Price: $246.99
Proof: 53.5% ABV/107 US Proof
Size: 700ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers) and some physical liquor stores
The Blanton’s Gold Edition Bourbon Whiskey features a unique distillation process to give it an exceptional flavor profile and body.
The whiskey is made using a proprietary sour mash, containing corn, rye, and malted barley and aged in American white oak casks with a dark #4 char.
This rare version of Blanton’s Whiskey features a bolder and more pronounced version with a higher-than-normal proof. Yet, it maintains a smooth and clean finish. On the nose, the bourbon has a nuanced blend of vanilla, dried fruit, dark chocolate, honeyed notes, and cereal.
When you give it the first taste, the bourbon boasts a rich mouth feel with notes of caramel, charred oak, and pepper spice. It finishes with a lingering and pleasant sweetness.
18. William Larue Weller 2019 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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Price: $2,332.99
Proof: 64% ABV/128 US Proof
Size: 750ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers) and some physical liquor stores
The William Larue Weller Bourbon is characterized by high proof – shooting up to 128 US Proof. The bourbon features an uncut and unfiltered distillation, made using wheat and aged for 12 and half years in American charred oak casks.
The bourbon is made using Kentucky corn, North Dakota wheat, and North Dakota malted barley. The award-winning straight bourbon whiskey has a rich, creamy, and sweet aroma with hints of vanilla, caramel, and nutty pecan.
On the palate, the whiskey develops a bold taste profile with toasted vanilla, oak, and coffee notes. The bourbon finishes off with lingering oak, cherry, and dark chocolate notes.
19. Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 15-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey
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Price: $1,887.99
Proof: 53.5% ABV/107 US Proof
Size: 750ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers) and some physical liquor stores
The 15-Year Pappy Van Winkle Reserve Bourbon offers a less expensive version of this premium Kentucky whiskey. Yet, it maintains its signature superior flavors and body, typically of the brand. While it’s cheaper than its 23-year-old companion, the 15-year-old bourbon is also quite rare on the market.
This award-winning hazy copper-hued wheated bourbon has a rich honey, fruit, and cinnamon haze. Its full-bodied flavors feature caramel, toffee, and pepper spice while transitioning into a complex, extra long spicy, and woody finish.
20. Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Old Fashioned Sour Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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Price: $27,776.99
Proof: 50% ABV/100 US Proof
Size: 750ml
Where to find: Online vendors (such as Caskers) and some physical liquor stores
The outstanding Colonel E.H. Taylor bourbon is what you get when you truly have the money to splurge. Now, this once-in-a-lifetime, rare collector fetches more than $20,000.
But, its high price tag is reflected from its bottle to its body, flavor, and even aroma. To enjoy this full-bodied 9-year-old bourbon, you want to sip it neat.
This bourbon was distilled in 2002 using the same souring process the distiller uses. 9 years after, it has a luxurious floral aroma with a sweet nose that transitions into fresh confectionary baked bread notes.
Drinking the whiskey you get sophisticated notes of honey, toast, and baking spices with a truly light feel while finishing with a clean feel with a touch of leather.
FAQS
What Bourbons Are Hard To Find?
Wide ranges of bourbons are hard to find on the market. However, some of the rarest bourbons include the Pappy Van Winkle 23-Year-Old Family Reserve Straight Kentucky Whiskey.
Why Is Bourbon Hard To Get?
Bourbon is relatively hard to get. But, this depends a lot on the brand and quality. Some of the best bourbons undergo a lengthy aging process which creates a gap in the market, increasing the demand for the spirit.
This is why you may find it difficult to find some brands. Brands like the Buffalo Trace Distillery are good examples of Kentucky straight bourbon that’s hard to find.
What Whiskeys Are Hard To Find?
Various types of whiskeys are hard to find on the market. After all, both these whiskeys are affected by similar factors. Some of the common hard-to-find whiskeys include bourbon, Irish, and scotch whiskey.
Conclusion
Any of these 20 rare & hard to find bourbons are certainly worth the effort. With just their elusiveness being the downside, the Kentucky whiskeys offer the best reward for the work you put in with some being incredible collectors, they also guarantee unique flavors, aromas, body, and an overall pleasant drinking experience.
