Bourbon is not just a drink for the working class, as some might think. It’s a fine American whiskey that has a rich history and a lot of variety. Some bourbons are so rare and exquisite that they can cost thousands of dollars per bottle. If you’re curious about what are the most expensive bourbons in the world, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve done some research and found out the top 10 most expensive bourbons that you can buy if you have the money and the luck. Let’s take a look at these amazing bottles and see what makes them so special.
Willett Family Estate Bottled Single-Barrel 21-Year-Old – $8,607
The Willett family has been making bourbon since 1936, and they know how to craft some of the best whiskey in the world. Their 21-year-old single-barrel bourbon is one of their most sought-after products, as it is released sporadically in small batches, usually of 100 bottles or less. There is no set date for when it will be released, so you have to keep an eye on the estate for updates. This bourbon has a lot of complexity and depth that is hard to describe, but worth the price. It has notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, spice, and leather, and a smooth finish that lingers on your palate.
Willett Family Estate Bottled Single-Barrel 24-Year-Old – $9,999
Another gem from the Willett family estate, this 24-year-old single-barrel bourbon is even more rare and expensive than the 21-year-old one. Like the previous one, this bourbon is released randomly and in limited quantities, and each batch has a different taste from the last. This is because each barrel is unique and ages differently, giving the bourbon a distinctive character and flavor. Some of the flavors you might find in this bourbon are orange, vanilla, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and tobacco. This is a bourbon that you want to savor slowly and appreciate every sip.
Michter’s 25-Year-Old Single Barrel – $10,459
Michter’s is one of the oldest bourbon brands in the U.S., dating back to the 18th century. Their 25-year-old single-barrel bourbon is one of their most prestigious and limited releases, as it is only produced when the master distiller thinks that the whiskey has reached its peak of maturity and quality. This bourbon has a rich and smooth taste, with hints of dried fruits, chocolate, caramel, oak, and spice. It also has a long and satisfying finish that makes you want more. This is a bourbon that is worth every penny if you can find it.
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20-Year-Old – $11,999
Pappy Van Winkle is a legendary name in the bourbon world, and his family reserve 20-year-old bourbon is one of the most coveted bottles in the market. This bourbon is made from a secret recipe that Pappy himself created, and it is aged for 20 years in charred oak barrels. This gives the bourbon a deep amber color and a complex and balanced flavor, with notes of vanilla, maple, honey, nuts, and leather. This bourbon is smooth and elegant, and it has a reputation for being one of the best bourbons ever made.
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23-Year-Old – $12,999
Another masterpiece from the Pappy Van Winkle family, this 23-year-old bourbon is even more rare and expensive than the 20-year-old one. This bourbon is aged for 23 years in the same barrels as the 20-year-old one, but it is bottled at a higher proof of 95.6. This gives the bourbon a more intense and robust flavor, with notes of oak, caramel, chocolate, spice, and tobacco. This bourbon is not for the faint of heart, as it has a lot of kick and bite, but it is also smooth and refined, and it has a long and memorable finish.
Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash 2019 – $15,999
Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash is a special edition bourbon that is only released once in a while when the master distiller thinks that he has found the perfect blend of whiskeys. The 2019 edition is the third one ever released, and it is a blend of six different whiskeys, ranging from 10 to 33 years old. This bourbon has a unique and exquisite flavor, with notes of citrus, cherry, vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice. It also has a smooth and creamy texture and a long and sweet finish. This bourbon is a celebration of the art and craft of bourbon making, and it is a bottle that you want to keep for a special occasion.
The Last Drop 1980 Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey – $19,999
The Last Drop is a company that specializes in finding and bottling some of the rarest and oldest spirits in the world. Their 1980 Buffalo Trace bourbon whiskey is one of their most impressive finds, as it is a 45-year-old bourbon that was distilled at the famous Buffalo Trace distillery in Kentucky. This bourbon is one of the oldest bourbons ever bottled, and it has a remarkable flavor, with notes of vanilla, honey, oak, leather, and smoke. It also has a smooth and silky mouthfeel and a long and spicy finish. This bourbon is a piece of history, and it is a bottle that you want to treasure and enjoy.
Double Eagle Very Rare – $20,999
Double Eagle Very Rare is a limited edition bourbon that was launched in 2019 by Buffalo Trace. It is a 20-year-old bourbon that is bottled in a stunning crystal decanter and housed in a silver box with eagle feathers. This bourbon is a beauty to behold, and it is also a beauty to taste, as it has a rich and smooth flavor, with notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, spice, and mint. It also has a long and warm finish that leaves you satisfied and happy. This bourbon is a rare and exquisite treat, and it is a bottle that you want to display and admire.
Michter’s 25-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon – $24,999
Michter’s 25-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon is another masterpiece from Michter’s distillery, and it is one of the most expensive bourbons in the world. This bourbon is aged for 25 years in charred oak barrels, and it is only released when the master distiller thinks that it has reached its peak of perfection. This bourbon has a dark amber color and a complex and balanced flavor, with notes of dried fruits, chocolate, caramel, oak, and spice. It also has a smooth and velvety texture and a long and satisfying finish. This bourbon is a work of art, and it is a bottle that you want to savor and appreciate.
Old Rip Van Winkle 25-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – $29,999
The most expensive bourbon in the world is the Old Rip Van Winkle 25-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which was launched in 2017 by the Van Winkle family. This bourbon is a tribute to the legacy of Pappy Van Winkle, and it is made from a secret recipe that he created. This bourbon is aged for 25 years in charred oak barrels, and it is bottled at a proof of 100. This gives the bourbon an intense flavor, with notes of vanilla, maple, honey, nuts, and leather. This bourbon is smooth and elegant, and it has a reputation for being one of the best bourbons ever made.
There you have it, the 10 most expensive bourbons in the world. These are not your typical bourbons, and you’re only going to want to crack them open for extremely important occasions. These are bourbons that are meant to be enjoyed and cherished, as they represent the finest and rarest examples of American whiskey. If you ever get the chance to taste one of these bourbons, you’ll be in for a treat. Cheers!