The most sought-after whiskies do not necessarily mean that they’re also collectible. Sure, Pappy’s releases are incredibly sought after, but do they have amazing decanters to amaze your friends with? Ok, yeah. They are pretty enviable bottles even after the contents have been guzzled and expelled from your body. Whether a bottle is collectible or not varies and is subjective to each individual. Take, for example, the amazing Yamato Samurai Edition Gold Whisky. It’s pretty cool, but will it impress that weeb friend who’s been to Japan 10+ times? Probably not. So in this article, we will be breaking this down into three sections: highly sought after, collectible & rare, and unique, aka kick-ass. Let’s have some fun!
The Sought After
If we’re going by the most sold whiskeys in the US, we need to mention the top. Maker’s Mark is the best-selling whiskey in the US by a large margin. Maker's Mark has become a best-selling whiskey in the US due to its unique and approachable flavor profile, characterized by the use of red winter wheat. The brand's commitment to consistent quality, an iconic square-shaped bottle sealed with red wax, and a strong brand image contribute to its widespread popularity. Effective marketing strategies, innovations, and broad distribution further enhance Maker's Mark's success, making it easily accessible and appealing to a diverse consumer base.
Bulleit Bourbon has secured its position as the second-best-selling whiskey in the US for several reasons. Its distinctive high-rye mash bill gives it a unique and bold flavor, attracting a wide range of whiskey enthusiasts. Consistent quality and an eye-catching, frontier-inspired bottle design contribute to Bulleit's appeal. The brand has successfully built a robust image through storytelling, emphasizing its frontier heritage and a commitment to craftsmanship. Effective marketing campaigns, including collaborations and limited editions, have kept Bulleit dynamic and relevant. With widespread availability and a reputation for delivering a flavorful and high-quality bourbon, Bulleit has become a go-to choice for whiskey drinkers across the country.
Johnnie Walker has claimed its position as the best-selling Scotch worldwide owing to a combination of factors. Renowned for its blended Scotch whiskies, Johnnie Walker offers a diverse range catering to various tastes and preferences. The brand's iconic "Striding Man" logo and consistent commitment to quality and craftsmanship contribute to a strong and recognizable brand image. Johnnie Walker has effectively marketed its whiskies globally, creating a sense of prestige and sophistication associated with the brand. With a rich history and a portfolio ranging from accessible blends to luxurious single malts, Johnnie Walker has established itself as a versatile and widely appreciated choice, making it the preferred Scotch for consumers around the world.
The Collectible & Rare
Collectible bottles are often the rarest of the rare. The Macallan has earned a reputation as a highly collectible whisky due to its commitment to exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and a rich heritage. Renowned for its single malt Scotch whiskies, The Macallan is often associated with age-statement expressions that showcase the brand's dedication to maturing spirits in high-quality oak casks. The use of sherry-seasoned oak casks imparts distinctive flavors, adding to the allure of The Macallan whiskies. Limited releases, rare vintages, and exclusive editions have fueled the collectability of The Macallan, attracting enthusiasts and investors alike. The brand's meticulous attention to detail, consistency in delivering premium expressions, and the scarcity of certain releases contribute to the desirability and value of The Macallan in the world of whisky collecting.
Pappy Van Winkle's 20 Year Family Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey is highly coveted and collectible due to its exceptional rarity, unparalleled aging process, and outstanding flavor profile. With only a limited number of bottles released each year, scarcity plays a significant role in its collectability. The lengthy two-decade aging process in charred oak barrels imparts a complexity and richness that whiskey enthusiasts find extraordinary. The Pappy Van Winkle brand, known for its commitment to quality and tradition, further enhances the whiskey's collectible status. Its legendary reputation, scarcity, and superb aging contribute to making Pappy Van Winkle's 20 Year Family Reserve a prized and sought-after gem in the world of whiskey collecting.
Rare whiskies can also refer to exclusive releases, limited editions, or bottles not released every year. For example, overseas Blanton’s releases. Check out our selection of rare releases which include single bottles and combo packs from Blanton’s, W.L. Weller, and Pappy’s.
The Unique
As mentioned, there are some pretty amazing-looking bottles to collect like basically anything from Yamato. There’s the Yamato Samurai Red Edition Whiskey, Yamato Black Ninja Japanese Whisky, Samurai Edition Black and Samurai Edition Gold! And don’t forget the Yamato Lady Tomoe Japanese Whisky.
And how could we go without mentioning the H. Deringer Bourbon Whiskey Gift Set? H. Deringer Bourbon Whiskey Gift Set is a unique tribute to American gunsmith Henry Derringer, famed for designing the concealed carry percussion handgun, The Philadelphia Deringer. The bourbon, housed in an exquisite crystal decanter by a renowned glass artist, is aged in new charred white oak casks. With an extremely small batch production of only 2987 bottles in the first release, it offers unmatched character and an incredibly smooth profile, encapsulating a slice of American history.
And there we have it! If you’re not particularly down with these selections, browse around here and see what you can discover and collect!
