Top Shelf Bourbon Guide

Sometimes, "average" just won't do. And when it comes to bourbon, why should it, especially when there are so many quality options available?

Whether you're looking for a rare, limited-edition bourbon or something that's more widely available—yet well-aged—this list contains something for everyone.

9 Rare And Collectible Top-Shelf Bourbons

Let's start with the creme de la creme. These are the finest top-shelf bourbons that money can buy and some of the best you'll ever drink.

These brands are renowned for their limited releases and scarcity, which, for bourbon lovers, only adds to the appeal.

If you are lucky enough to score a bottle, it will take pride of place in your bourbon collection.

1. Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve (15, 20, 23 Years)

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve is the gold standard of top-shelf bourbon, enjoying an almost cult-like following.

Produced by the Sazerac Company's Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, this wheated bourbon is renowned for its exceptionally long aging process.

This bourbon replaces rye with wheat, resulting in a softer, sweeter profile with deep caramel, vanilla, and oak notes.

Pappy Van Winkle is only released in highly limited batches each year, and demand far outweighs supply. It's incredibly difficult to find at retail prices (stores typically hold lotteries to distribute bottles fairly) and fetches a high sum on the secondary market.

While there are five bourbons in the range, the following three stand out for their rarity:

• Old Rip Van Winkle 15-year: A rich balance of spice and butterscotch; around $2,000+ (secondary market price)

• Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20-year: Complex oak and dark fruit; around $2,000+ (secondary market price)

• Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 23-year: Bold leather, tobacco, and dark chocolate; around $4,000+ (secondary market price)

With its legendary reputation and near-mythical status, Pappy Van Winkle remains one of the most sought-after bourbons in the world.

2. William Larue Weller

William Larue Weller forms part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) and is revered for its unfiltered barrel-proof intensity.

Also made using a wheated mash bill aged in charred oak barrels, this fantastic bourbon is meticulously aged for about 12 years before being hand-bottled.

The result is smooth, rich flavors of dark cherry, deep oak, and caramelized brown sugar, finished with a warmth of spicy cinnamon.

Due to its limited release, William Larue Weller is almost impossible to find at retail. You can expect to pay upwards of $1,300+ on the secondary market.

3. George T. Stagg 

A jewel in the crown of the BTAC, George T. Stagg bourbon whiskey is aged in new oak charred barrels for around 15-18 years.

Bottled at barrel proof, expect intense oak complexity and deep, rich flavors of pipe tobacco, leather, and spice.

Interestingly, in 2021, the Buffalo Trace distillery skipped that year's release because it did not feel the bourbon met its high standard.

Unsurprisingly, releases are highly limited, so the secondary market is your best bet. Expect to pay $900-$1,500 for a bottle.

4. Michter’s 20-Year-Old Bourbon

The Michter’s Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, only releases this rare 20-year bourbon once it meets their exacting standards.

Michter's bourbon delivers a rich and refined flavor profile, with layers of dark caramel, toasted vanilla, dried fruit, and seasoned oak, complemented by a subtly spicy smooth finish.

In some years, only a few hundred bottles will be released. Retail pricing starts at around $1,200, but secondary market prices frequently exceed $6,000, making it one for serious collectors.

5. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is only released on the birthday of its founder George Garvin Brown. Crafted from a single day's production, this top-shelf bourbon is aged for about 12 years.

Birthday Bourbon typically features notes of caramelized brown sugar, dark fruit, baking spice, toasted oak, and a long, silky finish. Each year's release is slightly different, adding to its appeal.

Retail price is typically around $150-$200; resale prices can range from $800 to well over $2,000. Older years, in particular, usually fetch a higher price.

6. E.H. Taylor Jr. Barrel Proof

E.H. Taylor Jr. forms part of the esteemed Colonel E.H. Taylor lineup, produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Bottled right from the barrel without dilution or filtration, this bourbon whiskey is a bold, high-proof, yet remarkably balanced drink.

The flavor profile is deep caramel, toasted vanilla, rich fruit, oak spice, and a lingering warmth.

Named after Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., you can find this bourbon on the secondary market for around $700-$1,000.

7. Eagle Rare 17-Year

Eagle Rare 17-year is another highly regarded bourbon whiskey in the BTAC lineup.

Each annual release is bottled at 101 proof, resulting in a beautifully layered profile of dark caramel, dried fruit, toasted oak, vanilla bean, and baking spice.

While the retail price is only $100, you'll be hard-pushed to get a bottle at that rate. Secondary prices range from $1,700-$3,500.

8. Double Eagle Very Rare

Incredibly scarce and insanely exclusive, Double Eagle Very Rare lives up to its name.

Even though it's aged for 20 years, the toasted oak notes are not overpowering, but rather well-balanced with the rich, silky smooth flavors of caramel and dried fruit.

Each bottle is housed in a crystal decanter featuring a handcrafted glass eagle inside, with a silver eagle stopper on top. Typically, fewer than 200 bottles are produced each year, making it highly exclusive.

Forget retail since it's almost impossible. Secondary market prices can range from $4,000-$15,000 depending on demand.

9. OFC Vintage 1996 Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Named after the historic Old Fashioned Copper (O.F.C.) Distillery, OFC Vintage has a deep heritage.

Aged for over 25 years, this extremely rare bourbon is only released in select years.

Each sip reveals luxurious toffee, deep oak, vanilla bean, and a touch of leather with a long, velvety finish.

Typically reserved for high-end collectors, secondary market prices range from $3,000-$10,000 depending on the vintage.

11 Accessible Top-Shelf Bourbons

Not all top-shelf bourbon has to cost in excess of $1,000.

If you like to drink bourbon regularly, then you might like to consider some of these more affordable options.

Better yet, they're generally widely available, so you need never go without your favorite bourbon whiskey.

1. Buffalo Trace

Mentioned frequently in the rare section, the Buffalo Trace distillery also produces great-quality bourbon at attainable prices.

Buffalo Trace is its flagship bourbon featuring flavors of vanilla, maple syrup, and a hint of spice.

You can easily buy this bourbon at a retail price of around $40-$60.

2. W.L. Weller 12-Year

Affectionately referred to as “Poor Man’s Pappy,” W.L. Weller's 12-Year is a wheated bourbon that shares a mash bill with the legendary Pappy lineup.

Discover a smooth, well-rounded profile with rich caramel, vanilla, dark cherry, and oak notes.

This bourbon retails at about $50 but can be hard to get. It's widely available on the secondary market, though, for about $200.

3. Stagg Jr.

A bold, uncut, and unfiltered bourbon, Stagg Jr. is known for its high-proof, intense flavor.

Aged for around 8-10 years in new charred oak barrels, it delivers luxurious chocolate, cinnamon spice, and oak notes with a powerful, lingering heat.

A bottle can be found for around $200-$250, though limited releases are harder to find.

4. Michter’s 10-Year Bourbon

Michter's 10-year is a single barrel release with a deep, well-rounded profile. Discover notes of butterscotch, toasted vanilla, fruit, and seasoned oak for a decadent sip.

Given its limited availability, you're more likely to find it on the secondary market. It sells for around $300.

5. Knob Creek 18-Year

Crafted at the Jim Beam distillery, Knob Creek 18-year uses low-rye mash and a traditional distillation process to produce an intense yet balanced flavor.

Sip neat and discover burnt sugar, dark cherry, and roasted nuts.

As a limited edition bourbon release, it's highly coveted yet reasonably priced at around $300 on the secondary market.

6. Casey Jones Single Barrel Bourbon

Produced by the Casey Jones distillery, this single-barrel bourbon is a craft whiskey that pays homage to the legendary moonshiner.

It offers a rich blend of honeyed toffee, toasted oak, baking spice, and a hint of dried fruit.

Priced around $50-$70, this bourbon is highly reasonable considering it is a top-shelf option.

7. Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon

Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch uses locally sourced ingredients and a traditional distillation process to deliver this smooth, creamy bourbon. Aged for five years, it offers a rich blend of butterscotch, vanilla bean, cinnamon spice, and toasted oak.

Another affordable bourbon, you can find it for around $40-$50.

8. Eagle Rare 10-Year

Eagle Rare has several affordable expressions but the 10-year is particularly notable.

Prized for its refined complexity, each sip gives notes of honeyed toffee, toasted almonds, orange zest, and seasoned oak.

Priced at $40-$50, this bourbon sells out fast, so it can be hard to find.

9. Basil Hayden's

A light, high-rye bourbon, Basil Hayden's is part of Jim Beam's small-batch collection.

Known for its smooth and spicy profile, your palate will enjoy notes of black pepper along with the more traditional bourbon whiskey flavors.

Very affordable at about $50, this is a whiskey to enjoy more frequently.

10. Redwood Empire Whiskey (Grizzly Beast)

Redwood Empire Whiskey produces several varieties, but the most exclusive is Grizzly Beast. Aged a minimum of four years, it's a young bourbon yet delivers a rich profile.

Toasted oak, honeyed toffee, nutmeg, and black fruit make up its complex taste.

It's easier to find than other brands and a bottle can be yours for around $100.

11. Blanton's Gold Kentucky Bourbon

Blanton's Gold is a single-barrel bourbon created from a high rye mash.

This method produces a richer, darker profile with a luxurious honey flavor. Warm baking spices and deep oak also accompany its notes.

It's chiefly distributed outside of the U.S., so it can be harder to find. Bottles regularly fetch $200-$300 on the secondary market.

FAQs

What is considered a top-shelf bourbon?

Top-shelf bourbons are superior quality, well-aged, and renowned for their rich flavors and smooth finishes. Generally released in limited quantities, these bourbons can be difficult to find and carry a high price tag.

Some examples include Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve, George T. Stagg, and William Larue Miller.

What is a good bourbon at a reasonable price?

There are many good-quality bourbons available at a reasonable price. Here are some top brands to consider:

• Buffalo Trace: Smooth, well-balanced, and renowned for its incredible quality.

• Benchmark: Available in a variety of expressions and is one of the most popular brands of affordable bourbon.

• Thomas S. Moore: Aged in wine and spirit casks for a unique flavor.

What are the 5 rules of bourbon?

In 1964, US Congress declared bourbon "a distinctive product of the United States." This meant that for whiskey to be called bourbon, it has to follow five distinct rules:

1. Must be made in the U.S.

2. At least 51% of corn has to be contained in the mash bill.

3. Must be aged in new charred oak barrels.

4. Distilled up to 160 proof (80% ABV).

5. Must be barreled at no higher than 125 proof and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof.

Which bourbon is served in a top-shelf Old Fashioned?

For a top-shelf Old Fashioned, a top-shelf bourbon is naturally used.

Good choices include:

• Blanton’s Single Barrel: Smooth, slightly sweet, with a long finish.

• Woodford Reserve Double Oaked: Extra oaky, rich, and full-bodied.

• Eagle Rare 10 Year: Aged and complex, yet smooth.

• Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style: Higher proof with a bold character.

What is the cheapest Pappy Van Winkle?

The cheapest Pappy Van Winkle bourbon is Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year, which retails for around $69.99. However, it's highly sought after and commands a higher price in the secondary market.

Final Thoughts

There are so many top-shelf bourbons available that it can be hard to know where to start!

We recommend choosing one within your budget and expanding your collection slowly from there.

Keep in mind: Always purchase your rare top-shelf bourbons from a reputable vendor. Counterfeits are common, and buying from a trusted source is the best way to avoid fakes.