The 12 Best Rare Bourbon toTry or Gift This Year
The 10 Best Tequila Blanco to Try This Year from Taster’s Club
The 12 Best Rare Bourbon to
Try or Gift This Year
Written by Taster's Club Internal Team | Published April 2025
If you're a bourbon enthusiast or searching for the perfect gift for one, rare bourbons offer an unmatched experience. These hard-to-find bottles are perfect for sipping, sharing, or stashing for the right celebration.
We've rounded up a list that’s guaranteed to take your bourbon game to the next level, from meticulously crafted classics to limited-edition releases. Let’s dive in!
The Top 10 Rare Bourbons To Try
Here’s our carefully curated list of outstanding hard-to-find bourbon whiskies, each chosen for its unique story, flavor profile, and craft.
1. Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 Year
Few names in bourbon are as legendary as Pappy Van Winkle. It’s produced by Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery in collaboration with Buffalo Trace. This bourbon uses a wheated mash bill, replacing rye with wheat to create a smoother, richer flavor. Aged for two decades in carefully selected charred oak barrels. A true classic.
Tasting Notes: The nose opens with aromas of caramel, dark chocolate, and dried fruit with hints of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate you’ll enjoy layers of aged oak, sweet toffee, and spiced cherries. The finish is luxurious with hints of cinnamon and smoke to savor.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 45.20% | 750ml
Purchase Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 Year
2. George T. Stagg
George T. Stagg is a legendary bourbon from Buffalo Trace's Antique Collection. This uncut and unfiltered bourbon is aged for over 15 years in hand-selected barrels to develop its bold flavors. Its high proof delivers an intense and full-bodied experience. Each annual release is highly desired by whiskey and bourbon enthusiasts worldwide.
Tasting Notes: Bold and inviting, the nose begins with dark chocolate, molasses, and cherries. On the palate, you’ll begin to taste rich caramel, tobacco, and espresso. The finish lingers with a powerful kick of peppery spice.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 67.50% | 750ml
Purchase George T. Stagg
3. Eagle Rare 17 Year
First introduced as a premium bourbon in the early 2000s, Eagle Rare 17 Year is aged for a full 17 years in new charred oak barrels. This allows it to develop those deep and rich notes. Combined with its rarity and limited annual release, it’s a collector's dream. Each bottle reflects Buffalo Trace's commitment to traditional bourbon-making.
Tasting Notes: This rare bourbon begins with gentle hints of oak, and honey, on the nose. The palate is smooth with flavors of butterscotch, orange zest, and almond. It finishes silky. Leaving just a touch of leather to linger.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 50.50% | 750ml
Purchase Eagle Rare 17 Year
4. William Larue Weller
Also known as "W.L. Weller," this unfiltered wheated bourbon is a standout from Buffalo Trace's top-tier Antique Collection. What makes this bourbon standout is that it replaces the traditional rye grain with wheat to create a smooth and soft profile. Each bottle is crafted with care using a time-honored aging process to preserve its rich and desired flavor.
Tasting Notes: This rare bourbon kicks off with sweet notes of vanilla, toffee, and toasted oak on the nose. The palate follows with creamy caramel, rich chocolate, and a hint of nuts. It finishes long with a slight floral note.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 66.80% | 750ml
Purchase William Larue Weller
5. W.L. Weller C.Y.P.B.
Weller C.Y.P.B. (Craft Your Perfect Bourbon) was born from an interactive survey conducted by Buffalo Trace, where over 100,000 bourbon enthusiasts provided feedback for what they wanted. There was a major preference for a wheated bourbon aged around 8 years, bottled at 95 proof. This unique creation process makes C.Y.P.B. stand out as a community development rather than a distiller-led approach.
Tasting Notes: Weller C.Y.P.B opens with a floral nose and hints of citrus and spice. On the palate, you'll taste sweet honey, smooth vanilla, and a touch of mild oak. It wraps up with a warm finish and a clean aftertaste.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 47.50% | 750ml
Purchase W.L. Weller C.Y.P.B.
6. Michter's 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Michter’s 20 Year Bourbon is a true testament to the brand's longstanding heritage in American whiskey-making traditions, which dates back to 1753. This rare release is crafted in extremely small quantities, using carefully selected barrels aged for two decades to achieve unmatched complexity and depth.
Tasting Notes: This bourbon’s nose opens with elegant aromas of maple syrup, dried fruit, and cocoa. You'll receive rich layers of caramel, molasses, and charred oak on the palette. The finish is incredibly smooth with hints of leather.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 57.10% | 750ml
Purchase Michter's 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon
7. Four Roses 135th Anniversary
Released to celebrate Four Roses’ 135th anniversary, this limited-edition bottle features a carefully crafted blend of 12 unique bourbon recipes, aged between 12 and 25 years. Each bottle is filled at barrel strength to preserve its deep flavors, a legacy that have defined Four Roses for generations.
Tasting Notes: This nose opens with a fruity nose of apricot with hints of vanilla and spice. On the palate, expect rich layers of cherries, smooth vanilla, and a touch of toasted oak. It all finishes smooth with a gentle warmth.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 54.0% | 750ml
Purchase Four Roses 135th Anniversary
8. Willett Family Estate 19 Year Bourbon
Willett’s 19-year-old limited-edition bourbon is a testament to the family’s rich tradition of small-batch craftsmanship, all the way back to 1936. This rare bourbon is carefully aged for nearly two decades in hand-selected charred oak barrels. Each bottle is a rare creation, crafted in limited quantities to highlight the perfection to the craft.
Tasting Notes: This whiskey greets you with aromas of old oak and roasted coffee. On the palate you can expect a delightful mix of berry sweetness, and clove. The finish is bold and complex.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 55.90% | 750ml
Purchase Willett Family Estate 19 Year Bourbon
9. Widow Jane Black Opal 20 Year
Widow Jane’s 20-year-old Black Opal is a celebration of craftsmanship and history with homage to New York City in every sip. This rare bourbon is aged for two decades, blending carefully selected barrels to achieve an outstanding collectors must-have. What sets it apart is the use of pure limestone mineral water from Rosendale Mines, giving it a distinct smoothness and character.
Tasting Notes: This drink opens with inviting aromas of stone fruit, brown sugar, and a hint of citrus. On the palate, bold flavors of butterscotch, cocoa, and spice take center stage. It finishes smooth and slightly dry, leaving behind delicious roasted undertones.
Region: New York, USA | ABV: 49.50% | 750ml
Purchase Widow Jane Black Opal 20 Year
10. Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 18 Year
Distilled and aged in Bardstown, Kentucky, the bourbon matures for nearly two decades in charred oak barrels. Its rarity highlights Heaven Hill’s dedication to traditional distilling methods. Each bottle represents a careful balance of time, patience, and expertise of premium American whiskey.
Tasting Notes: This bourbon greets you with the warm aroma of oak, apple pie, and a dash of clove. On the palate, enjoy a delightful mix of toffee, nutmeg, and a hint of citrus sweetness. The finish is smooth and satisfying.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 60.0% | 750ml
Purchase Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 18 Year
11. Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel
Named after Buffalo Trace’s legendary master distiller, this single barrel bourbon pays homage to the artistry of fine whiskey-making. Each bottle is crafted through selecting only the best barrels that embody the perfect balance of flavor and complexity. Then aged to perfection. This bottle’s dedication to tradition and quality makes every sip a tribute to its heritage.
Tasting Notes: The nose greets you with sweet caramel, dried fruit, and a hint of mint. The palate is a lively mix of butterscotch, spice, and creamy vanilla. It all wraps up with a smooth and warm finish.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 45.0% | 750ml
Purchase Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel
12. E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is a tribute to Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., one of the founding fathers of modern bourbon. Crafted without dilution or filtration, this bourbon is drawn straight from the barrel after ageing in hand-selected charred oak barrels. The distiller's commitment to tradition and purity makes it a must-try for true bourbon enthusiasts.
Tasting Notes: This pour greets you with rich aromas of chocolate, nuts, and toasted oak. On the palate, it’s a delightful blend of vanilla, caramel, and warm baked spices. The finish is bold and cozy.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 65.15% | 750ml
Purchase E.H. Taylor Barrel ProofHow We Select the Best Bourbons
We tasted an impressive array of bourbon whiskey from today’s top producers. We use our extensive experience at Taster’s Club to provide only the best bourbon whiskey recommendations in our selections.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the criteria we use to identify the best bourbon whiskey:
Quality of Ingredients
Bourbon whiskey is an American spirit that has strict guidelines to ensure its authenticity. To qualify as bourbon, it must be made from at least 51% corn, distilled to no more than 160 proof, and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. No additives are allowed except water to adjust the proof.
At Taster’s Club, we believe that a good bourbon whiskey starts with great ingredients. We carefully select the best bourbon whiskey, featuring unique mash bills like wheat bourbon, high rye bourbon, high corn bourbon, or 4-grain bourbon. We also prioritize distilleries that go above and beyond using premium, non-GMO ingredients, ensuring a rich and consistent flavor with every bottle.
In addition to high-quality grains, many bourbon whiskey brands enhance their spirits with limestone-filtered water, which is naturally abundant in classic bourbon-producing regions like Kentucky. This water helps improve the fermentation process, contributing to the smooth, clean character of our best bourbon whiskey.
Aging Process and Barrel Quality
The aging process plays a crucial role when selecting the best bourbon whiskey. With this bourbon guide, we prioritize bourbons that have been aged for at least two years, including varieties like small batch bourbon, cask strength bourbon, wheated bourbon, Bottled in Bond, and barrel-finished bourbon. Bourbon whiskey brands typically use new charred oak barrels, which impart rich flavors of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak while also giving the bourbon its signature amber color.
The climate in which the bourbon matures is equally important, as regions with fluctuating temperatures allow the whiskey to interact more deeply with the wood, resulting in a more complex flavor profile. While longer aging often enhances the richness of the flavors, we recognize that great bourbon whiskey doesn’t always require extended time in the barrel.
Brand Reputation and Legacy
All of the best bourbon whiskey we feature are hand-crafted by award-winning distilleries in the U.S., with a focus on delivering exceptional flavors and experiences. Whether it's a distillery steeped in tradition or one pushing the boundaries of innovation, every spirit in our Bourbon Bottle Shop.
How to Find the Perfect Bourbon
Finding the right bourbon whiskey that perfectly suits your palate doesn’t have to be some difficult or expensive journey.
By joining the Bourbon Club from Taster's Club, this subscription service introduces you to an incredible variety of bourbons, ranging from timeless classics to rare and unique expressions.
Each month, you’ll receive a thoughtfully curated bottle, accompanied by fascinating insights into bourbon, its distillery, and production techniques.
The Membership Club gives you the opportunity to test and try some of the best Bourbon the USA has to offer, at your own pace.
Bourbon Lovers, This Is Your Club
Join the club that brings you expertly selected bourbons you won’t find on every shelf. Discover something new every month.
Bourbon Lovers, This Is Your Club
Join the club that brings you expertly selected bourbons you won’t find on every shelf. Discover something new every month.
Elevate Your Bourbon Journey
If you’re ready to elevate your tasting experience, head over to Taster’s Club to discover our curated bourbon selections. Explore the finest bottles today!
Or check out our other bourbon resources:
- The 12 Best Best Bourbon Whiskey: Small Batch, Wheated, & More
- The 10 Best Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey to Try in 2025
- The Best Bourbon Glasses: Buyers Guide
- Father’s Day Spirits Gift Guide
Commonly Asked Questions
Is There a 100 Year Old Bourbon?
Bourbon is typically aged for a period of 4 to 12 years, with very few examples exceeding 30 years due to the challenges posed by extended aging. The longer bourbon ages in a barrel, the more it interacts with the wood. This leads to more intense flavors that over time, may outshine the complexities of the spirit.
However, you cannot typically buy bourbon that is 100 years old. There have been cases where people have sold bourbon bottles as early as 1860s, but these are rare cases.
What is The Best Way to Drink Bourbon?
There are a few ways to enjoy rare bourbon, and it all comes down to your personal preference. The best way to fully experience these types of bourbons is drinking it neat, undiluted and at room temperature. This will let you fully appreciate the depth of flavor and complexity these high-quality bourbons offer.
Adding a splash of water can open up the aromas and soften the profile. Which allows other hidden notes to come out that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Enjoying it on the rocks, with a few ice cubes, slightly chills the bourbon and gradually dilutes it. Each method highlights different aspects of rare bourbons.
How do I Choose Bourbon as a Gift?
If you’re choosing a rare bourbon for someone, they’re most likely a bourbon enthusiast, so you’ll want to consider their palette for something they’ll truly appreciate.
It’s all about understanding their palate and appreciation for fine whiskey. Consider their preferences. Do they enjoy bold and spicy notes or lean toward smooth, oaky finishes?
If you’re unsure, choosing from a curated list of highly regarded bourbons is always a safe bet. Better yet, why not take the guesswork out and give them a membership to the Taster's Club Bourbon Club? It offers exclusive access to expertly selected bourbons delivered monthly. Our 3-month prepaid membership is perfect for that special gift that’ll keep on giving!
Discover the Other Best Spirits
Make Every Month a Bourbon Adventure with The Bourbon Club
At Taster’s Club, pursuing the best bourbon whiskey becomes an exciting adventure, and our list of the best bourbon whiskey will surely guide you toward your next favorite bottle. If you want a more personalized bourbon whiskey experience, join our Bourbon Club!
Make Every Month a Bourbon Adventure with The Bourbon Club
At Taster’s Club, pursuing the best bourbon whiskey becomes an exciting adventure, and our list of the best bourbon whiskey will surely guide you toward your next favorite bottle. If you want a more personalized bourbon whiskey experience, join our Bourbon Club!
