Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that has grown in popularity over the years. Known for its rich and complex flavors, bourbon is made from a blend of corn, rye, and barley, and aged in charred oak barrels. However, not all bourbons are created equal, and some are more expensive than others. In this article, we will look at the 10 most expensive bourbons on the market, showcasing their unique characteristics and why they command such a high price tag. From limited edition releases to rare, aged bottles, these bourbons are genuinely one-of-a-kind.
| No | Most Expensive Bourbon | Price |
| 1 | Old Rip Van Winkle 25-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA | $55,165 |
| 2 | Colonel E.H. Taylor Old Fashioned Sour Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA | $25,962 |
| 3 | Old Rip Van Winkle ‘Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 17-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA | $22,588 |
| 4 | The Last Drop 1980 Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, USA | $22,155 |
| 5 | Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey, Kentucky, USA |
$21,152
|
| 6 | Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Family Reserve 16-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA |
$19,417
|
| 7 | Eagle Rare ‘Double Eagle Very Rare’ 20-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA | $17,300 |
| 8 | Willett Family Estate Bottled Single-Barrel 16-Year-Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky, USA | $16,660 |
| 9 | Colonel E.H. Taylor Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky, USA | $12,825 |
| 10 | Michter’s 25-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, USA | $12,424 |
Old Rip Van Winkle 25-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA
Old Rip Van Winkle 25-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA is the most expensive bourbon in the world. Old Rip Van Winkle 25-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a premium bourbon from the Van Winkle family of distillers. This bourbon is aged for 25 years in oak barrels, which gives it a rich and complex flavor profile. It is made from a blend of corn, rye, and barley and is bottled at a strength of 107 proof. The nose of this bourbon is filled with notes of caramel, vanilla, and dark fruit, while the palate is rich and full-bodied with flavors of toffee, dark chocolate, and dried fruit. The finish is long and smooth, with a hint of spice and oak. This is a highly sought-after bourbon that is perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Old Fashioned Sour Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA
Colonel E.H. Taylor Old Fashioned Sour Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA is the 2nd most expensive bourbon in the world. Colonel E.H. Taylor Old Fashioned Sour Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a high-quality bourbon produced by the Sazerac Company in Kentucky, USA. It is named after Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., a pioneering figure in the bourbon industry during the 19th century.
This bourbon is made using traditional sour mash fermentation methods, which involves using a portion of the previous fermentation to start the next batch. This process helps to maintain the consistency and flavor profile of the whiskey.
The whiskey is aged for at least four years in new, charred oak barrels, giving it a rich, smooth flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It has a robust and full-bodied taste, with a hint of sweetness and a long, smooth finish.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Old Fashioned Sour Mash Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned. It is a great choice for bourbon connoisseurs and those looking for high-quality, authentic Kentucky bourbon.
Old Rip Van Winkle ‘Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 17-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA
Old Rip Van Winkle ‘Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 17-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA is the 3rd most expensive bourbon in the world. Old Rip Van Winkle “Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve” is a 17-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from the United States. It is made by the Van Winkle family, who have been distilling bourbon for over a century. The whiskey is aged for 17 years in charred oak barrels, giving it a rich, smooth taste with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. It is considered one of the finest and most sought-after bourbons in the world, with a limited release each year. Due to its rarity and high demand, it is often sold at a premium price.
The Last Drop 1980 Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, USA
The Last Drop 1980 Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, USA is the 4th most expensive bourbon in the world. The Last Drop 1980 Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky is a rare and highly sought-after whiskey from the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, USA. It is a blend of bourbon from 1980 and 1981 and was aged for over 30 years before being bottled in 2013.
This bourbon has a rich, complex flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and dark fruit. It is smooth and well-balanced, with a long, warming finish. It is a limited release, with only 438 bottles produced.
The Last Drop 1980 Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky is a true collector’s item and is highly valued by whiskey enthusiasts. It is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, to fully appreciate its unique flavor and aging.
Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey, Kentucky, USA
Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey, Kentucky, USA is the 5th most expensive bourbon in the world. Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey is a limited-release whiskey from the Michter’s Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. It is made using a sour mash process, where a portion of the spent mash from a previous batch is used to start the fermentation of the new batch. This technique helps to maintain a consistent flavor profile across each release.
The whiskey is aged for a minimum of 10 years in new, charred American oak barrels. It is bottled at a cask strength of 45.7% alcohol by volume (ABV) and is non-chill filtered.
The aroma of Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey is rich and complex, with notes of toasted oak, vanilla, caramel, and dark fruit. On the palate, it is smooth and full-bodied, with flavors of dark chocolate, toffee, and spices. The finish is long and warming, with a lingering sweetness and a hint of spice.
This whiskey is a highly sought-after release and is considered a collector’s item by many whiskey enthusiasts. It is a great choice for sipping neat or on the rocks and also pairs well with rich, dark chocolate or a strong cigar.
Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Family Reserve 16-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA
Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Family Reserve 16-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA is the 6th most expensive bourbon in the world. Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Family Reserve 16-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a highly sought-after and highly-rated whiskey from the Van Winkle family, who have been making whiskey for over 100 years. This particular whiskey is aged for 16 years in oak barrels, giving it a rich and complex flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It is considered a “wheated bourbon,” meaning that wheat is used in place of the traditional rye in the mash bill. This gives it a smoother and sweeter taste compared to traditional bourbon. It is bottled at a cask strength of 107 proof and is considered a limited release, making it a highly prized collector’s item.
Eagle Rare ‘Double Eagle Very Rare’ 20-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA
Eagle Rare ‘Double Eagle Very Rare’ 20-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, USA is the 7th most expensive bourbon in the world. Eagle Rare “Double Eagle Very Rare” is a limited-release 20-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from the Sazerac Company. It is aged for 20 years in oak barrels, giving it a rich, complex flavor profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The whiskey has a smooth and balanced finish with a hint of spice. It is bottled at 90 proof and comes in a striking decanter-style bottle with a label featuring an eagle in flight. This bourbon is a rare and sought-after release, making it a great choice for collectors and bourbon enthusiasts.
Willett Family Estate Bottled Single-Barrel 16-Year-Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky, USA
Willett Family Estate Bottled Single-Barrel 16-Year-Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky, USA is the 8th most expensive bourbon in the world. The Willett Family Estate Bottled Single-Barrel 16-Year-Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a limited-release whiskey from the Willett Distillery in Kentucky, USA. It is aged for 16 years in a single barrel, giving it a rich and complex flavor profile.
This bourbon is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and barley and is bottled at a proof of 120, making it a strong and full-bodied whiskey. It is characterized by its deep amber color, with aromas of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. On the palate, it is smooth and creamy, with notes of maple, dark fruit, and spice. The finish is long and warming, with a hint of sweetness.
This bourbon is perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks and is also great for mixing in classic cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. It is a limited-release and highly sought-after by bourbon enthusiasts, making it a rare and special addition to any whiskey collection.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky, USA
Colonel E.H. Taylor Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky, USA is the 9th most expensive bourbon in the world. Colonel E.H. Taylor Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey is a premium bourbon produced by the Sazerac Company in Kentucky, USA. It is named after the famous bourbon distiller, Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., who was known for his innovative distillation techniques and commitment to quality.
This bourbon is made from a blend of high-quality corn, rye, and barley and is aged for a minimum of 8 years in new, charred American oak barrels. The aging process takes place in Warehouse C, which is known for being one of the most resilient warehouses in the state, having survived a tornado in the past.
The whiskey has a rich, complex flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, as well as a subtle hint of spice. It has a smooth, full-bodied texture with a long, warming finish.
This bourbon is ideal for sipping neat or on the rocks, but it can also be used in cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan. It is a limited release and is highly sought after by bourbon enthusiasts.
In conclusion, Colonel E.H. Taylor Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey is a premium bourbon with a rich history, complex flavor profile, and smooth, full-bodied texture. Its unique aging process in a tornado-surviving warehouse gives this bourbon a distinct and unique taste.
Michter’s 25-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, USA
Michter’s 25-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, USA is the 10th most expensive bourbon in the world. Michter’s 25-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is a premium bourbon that has been aged for a quarter of a century in hand-selected oak barrels. It is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley, and is distilled and bottled in small batches in Louisville, Kentucky. The whiskey has a rich, complex flavor profile with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, toffee, and vanilla. It has a smooth and velvety finish that lingers on the palate. This is a highly sought-after and limited-release whiskey, making it a collector’s item for bourbon enthusiasts. It is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bourbon?
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is made primarily from corn and aged in charred oak barrels. It is typically distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume) and aged for a minimum of two years. The name “bourbon” is derived from Bourbon County, Kentucky, where it was first produced in the late 1700s. To be legally classified as bourbon, it must be made in the United States and adhere to certain production guidelines set forth by the U.S. government.
What is the difference between bourbon and whiskey?
Bourbon and whiskey are both types of distilled spirits made from fermented grain mash, but there are some key differences between the two.
- Origin: Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is exclusively made in the United States, primarily in Kentucky. Whiskey, on the other hand, can be made in many different countries, including the United States, Scotland, Ireland, and Canada.
- Grain Mash: To be considered bourbon, the grain mash must be at least 51% corn. Whiskey can be made from a variety of grains, including barley, rye, and wheat.
- Aging: Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels for at least two years. Whiskey does not have a specific aging requirement.
- Flavors: Bourbon tends to have sweeter and smoother flavors, while whiskey can have a wide range of flavors depending on the type and the aging process.
- Production: Bourbon production is regulated by the U.S. government, whereas whiskey production is not.
Overall, bourbon is a specific type of whiskey that is made in the United States and has specific requirements for its production. Whiskey, on the other hand, is a broader category that can include bourbon, as well as other types of whiskey made in other countries.
What is bourbon made from?
Bourbon is made from a mash bill (recipe) that is at least 51% corn, with the remaining ingredients typically being made up of barley and either rye or wheat. The grains are ground and mixed with water to create a mash, which is then fermented and distilled. The resulting liquid is then aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years to develop its characteristic flavor and color.
How to drink bourbon?
- Choose a glass: A whiskey glass or a lowball glass are ideal for drinking bourbon.
- Pour the bourbon: Measure out the desired amount of bourbon and pour it into the glass. A standard serving size is 1.5 ounces.
- Allow the bourbon to breathe: Let the bourbon sit for a few minutes to release its aroma and flavors.
- Take a sip: Take a small sip and let it sit on your tongue for a moment before swallowing. This will allow you to taste the different flavors and notes of the bourbon.
- Savor the flavors: Enjoy the bourbon slowly and savor the flavors. Take note of the different notes such as caramel, vanilla, and oak.
- Enjoy it neat or with a splash of water: Bourbon can be enjoyed neat (without any additional liquids) or with a splash of water to open up the flavors.
- Pair it with food: Bourbon pairs well with a variety of foods such as dark chocolate, nuts, and meats. Experiment with different pairings to find your favorite.
- Appreciate the quality: Bourbon is a high-quality spirit that is crafted with care. Take the time to appreciate the craftsmanship and tradition that goes into each bottle.
What makes bourbon bourbon?
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is made from a mash bill of at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels. It must also be distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume) and entered into the barrel for aging at no more than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume). Additionally, it must be bottled at no less than 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume). Finally, it must be made in the United States, although it does not have to be produced in a specific region.
How many calories are in bourbon?
The number of calories in bourbon can vary depending on the brand and proof (alcohol content). However, on average, a 1.5 oz serving of 80-proof bourbon contains approximately 97 calories. A 1.5 oz serving of 100-proof bourbon contains approximately 124 calories.
What to mix with bourbon?
- Coke or Pepsi – A classic combination, the sweetness of the soda pairs well with the bold flavor of bourbon.
- Ginger Ale – A touch of ginger adds a zesty kick to the smoothness of bourbon.
- Bitters – A few dashes of bitters (such as Angostura or orange) can add depth and complexity to a bourbon cocktail.
- Simple Syrup – A touch of sweetness can balance out the boldness of bourbon.
- Lemon or Lime Juice – The acidity of citrus can complement the flavors of bourbon.
- Vermouth – A splash of vermouth can add a hint of herbiness to a bourbon cocktail.
- Club Soda – A splash of club soda can lighten up a bourbon cocktail and make it more refreshing.
- Ice – A few cubes of ice can help dilute the bourbon and make it more refreshing.
What does bourbon taste like?
Bourbon has a distinct, rich flavor that is often described as having notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It can also have hints of fruit, such as apple or cherry, and a subtle spice or smokiness. The taste can vary depending on the brand and aging process, but it is generally considered to be a smooth, complex spirit with a warm, slightly sweet finish.
What is the best bourbon?
This is a subjective question as different people have different preferences when it comes to bourbon. Some popular and highly rated bourbons include:
- Pappy Van Winkle – Considered one of the most sought-after and expensive bourbons on the market.
- Four Roses Single Barrel – Aged for a minimum of 9 years, this bourbon has a rich, complex flavor profile.
- Eagle Rare – Aged for 10 years, this bourbon has notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
- Maker’s Mark – Known for its smooth and balanced flavor, this bourbon is a great choice for beginners.
- Woodford Reserve – This bourbon is aged for at least 7 years and has a rich, full-bodied flavor.
Ultimately, the best bourbon for you will depend on your taste and preferences.
