Whiskey enthusiasts, both seasoned connoisseurs and newcomers, know there’s nothing quite like uncovering a rare gem in the world of spirits. Read on as we introduce you to 15 exceptional spirits that will impress and enhance your sipping experience.
Colonel E.H Taylor’s Amaranth Grain Of The Gods
A true innovation in bourbon crafting, Colonel E.H. Taylor’s Amaranth Grain Of The Gods is an extraordinary expression of whiskey. Using Amaranth, an ancient grain once esteemed by the Aztecs as the “Grain of the Gods,” this bourbon has a flavor range distinct from traditional bourbons. Typically, bourbon uses rye as part of the mashbill, but here, Amaranth replaces rye.
Source: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Old Fitzgerald 11-Year Bottled In Bond 2021 Fall Release
The Old Fitzgerald 11-Year Bottled In Bond 2021 is a nuanced expression from Heaven Hill Distillery, notable for its intricacy and mature taste profile. This bourbon is characterized by its amber hue and an intriguing blend of aromas, including butterscotch, brown sugar, cinnamon, and subtle citrus.
Source: Breaking Bourbon
James Thompson & Brother Final Reserve 45-Year Bourbon
Distilled in the early 1970s and aged for 45 years, James Thompson & Brother Final Reserve 45-Year Bourbon was initially intended as a millennium celebratory release by Buddy Thompson, who had stored these barrels separately for future singular occasions. The whiskey has a deep mahogany color and intense aroma, with undertones of old leather, tobacco, and roasted vanilla.
Source: Whisky Cast
WhistlePig Beholden 21-Year Single Malt
Crafted at Canada’s Glenora Distillery, the spirit is a true North American single malt pioneer. Featuring a lengthy maturation process, it first spends 21 years aging in American Oak ex-bourbon barrels, imbuing it with a sturdy base and aromatic notes. The magic touch comes next, with a four-week finishing touch in WhistlePig’s rye casks, adding another layer of complexity. It is celebrated as the first “super-aged” North American single malt, matured for 21 years.
Source: The Whiskey Wash
Talisker Xpedition Oak 43-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
With only 1,830 bottles available, the Talisker Xpedition Oak 43-Year-Old is an extraordinary single-malt Scotch whisky that symbolizes the rugged essence of the Isle of Skye. It is Talisker’s oldest release to date that surpasses even their 41-year-old Manzanilla cask finish. This special edition is finished in casks that include staves that undertook a significant 3,264-mile transatlantic journey.
Source: The Whisky World
Sazerac Straight Rye 18-Year-Old 2021
For those searching for a profound tasting experience, this is a must-try. The rye whiskey impresses with a nose rich in almond and lemon zest, while the sensation blends cinnamon with crisp pear. Aged in charred new American oak containers, it finishes dry and peppery.
Source: The Whiskey Wash
1993 Vintage O.F.C. Bourbon
Exquisite and rare, the 1993 Vintage O.F.C. Bourbon from Buffalo Trace is aged 25 years and gives one a refined tasting encounter. Its taste spectrum is described as having a lush nose of dark cherry, honey, and smoked oak, and accents of coffee, maple syrup, and oak mark the aftertaste.
Source: Go Bourbon
Suntory Yamazaki 18 Year Japanese Whisky
On the palate, Suntory’s Yamazaki 18 delivers rich essences of blackberry, strawberry jam, and dark chocolate, enhanced by a creamy texture and delicate spices. The endnote is long and smooth, with lingering spicy oak and fruitnotes. This single malt is aged for 18 years, primarily in sherry casks, but also incorporates American and Japanese Mizunara oak.
Source: House Suntory
Booker’s 25th Anniversary Bourbon
Released in 2014, Booker’s 25th Anniversary Bourbon commemorates 25 years since Booker Noe first introduced the brand. Packaged at 130.8 proof, it is between 9 and 11 years old, making it the oldest whiskey ever encased under Booker’s name. Each batch was carefully selected from the last barrels laid down by the legend himself.
Source: Breaking Bourbon
Michter’s 25-Year Bourbon – 2020 Release
Michter’s 25-Year Bourbon is a highly coveted release. Extracted and aged by Michter’s, this bourbon is noted for its intense, rich flavors and remarkable smoothness. The nose presents complex aromas of dark caramel, molasses, and leather, while the mouthfeel reveals vanilla, dried fruit, and toasted oak layers.
Source: Drinkhacker
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Years
Bottled at 107 proof, it has a mash bill with a high percentage of wheat, giving it a unique sweetness compared to traditional bourbons. Its fragrance is characterized by enticing aromas of caramel, pecans, and sweet spices, while the palate conveys grand flavors of dried fruit, seared nuts, and a hint of honey.
Source: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Town Branch Cask Strength Single Malt
This premium whiskey from Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. is aged 11 years in ex-Oloroso sherry casks and is known for its bold and lush essences. The deep color hints at its intricate taste, featuring undertones of malted cereal, dark chocolate, and cinnamon on the palate. It is complemented by a long, sweet aftertaste with cocoa and oak.
Source: Drinkhacker
Heaven Hill 17-Year-Old Barrel Proof Bourbon
A remarkable release from one of Kentucky’s esteemed distilleries, Heaven Hill 17-Year-Old Barrel Proof Bourbon, stands out due to its superb depth and intensity. This bourbon is known for its depth and intensity, and it features dark chocolate, caramel, and toasted oak aromas, with a sensation that blends vanilla, dried fruits, and layered spices.
Source: Drinkhacker
Springbank 30-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2022
Aged for three decades, Springbank 30-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky delivers a sophisticated flavor profile with accents of tropical fruits, honey, and maritime brine on the nose. The palate is rich and harmonious, featuring orchard fruits, toffee, and subtle smokiness. It is a luxurious and rare offering from one of Scotland’s most respected distilleries.
Source: Drinkhacker
Stranahan’s Mountain Angel 10 Year Old
Stranahan’s Mountain Angel 10-Year-Old is a distinguished American single malt whiskey aged for a decade to achieve its exceptional depth and character. Produced in Colorado, this whiskey features a nose with hints of honey, malt, and delicate smokiness. Full-bodied and nuanced, the mouthfeel has caramel, dark chocolate, and dried fruit flavors.
Source: Drinkhacker
