Are you ready to embark on the ultimate bourbon collecting journey? Each year, distilleries across the United States release a select few bottles that make whiskey lovers’ hearts race. These annual bourbon releases are not just drinks; they're legendary collectibles, steeped in history and often surrounded by anticipation, hype, and the elusive thrill of the chase. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting to explore the world of rare bourbon and rye whiskey, these highly allocated bottles could become the crown jewels of your collection.
Why Collect Annual Bourbon Releases?
Annual bourbon releases offer more than just great whiskey. They represent the pinnacle of a distillery’s craft, delivering unique flavor profiles and packaging that often changes every year. Collectors value these bottles for their:
- Rarity and exclusivity
- Potential for appreciating value
- Exceptional taste and craftsmanship
- Stunning bottle and packaging designs
Ready to dive in? Here are the 13 best bourbon annual releases you should try to collect this year!
1. Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve (15, 20, 23 Year)
No list of allocated bourbons is complete without Pappy Van Winkle. The 15, 20, and 23 Year Family Reserve releases are the holy grail for collectors. With deep, rich flavors and a cult-like following, winning a lottery for one of these bottles is a lifetime achievement for any bourbon enthusiast.
2. Blanton’s (Gold, Straight from the Barrel, Takara Red, Takara Black)
Blanton’s is instantly recognizable by its iconic horse stopper and globe-shaped bottle. While the standard Single Barrel is already sought after, the annual releases of Blanton’s Gold, Takara Red, and Takara Black are even more elusive. Each offers nuanced differences, with the Gold and Takara editions often only available overseas, making them even more prized by collectors. You can still get them, just usually not at your local liquor store so you have to be a bit crafty.
3. King of Kentucky
King of Kentucky is a single barrel bourbon with a rich history and an extremely limited annual release. Each year’s batch is unique, with only a few hundred bottles produced. If you manage to snag one, you’ll be tasting a bold, complex bourbon that’s as rare as it gets. But, these bottles hold value and appreciate very well, so whether you decide to keep it, display it, or vault it is up to you.
4. W.L. Weller (Antique, 12 Year, Full Proof, Single Barrel, C.Y.P.B.)
W.L. Weller releases are a staple for wheated bourbon lovers. The Antique, 12 Year, Full Proof, Single Barrel, and the highly anticipated C.Y.P.B. (Craft Your Perfect Bourbon) have garnered a devoted following. These bottles are often allocated and distributed by lottery, making them a thrilling find for any collector.
- C.Y.P.B. lets fans vote on the ideal bourbon profile, then Buffalo Trace produces it as a limited release.
5. E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is an unfiltered, uncut powerhouse of a bourbon, released annually in limited quantities. Its high proof and robust flavor attract both collectors and those who love bold whiskey. Keep an eye out for special editions with unique barrel finishes, as those can drive the hype even higher.
6. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
Old Forester celebrates its founder’s birthday each year with this unique, allocated release. Each batch is drawn from a single day’s production, making every edition distinct. The decanter-style bottle and rich, layered flavors make it a showstopper on any shelf.
7. Four Roses Limited Editions (Small Batch & Single Barrel)
Four Roses’ Small Batch Limited Edition and Single Barrel Limited Edition are annual showcases of the distillery’s blending prowess. Each year, master distiller Brent Elliott selects special recipes and barrels, resulting in complex, layered bourbons that stand out among collectors and critics alike. My personal favorite is the 125th Anniversary Relase bottle, but I look forward to every release they may provide.
- Look for unique mashbill combinations and age statements each year.
8. Parker’s Heritage Collection
Honoring the late Parker Beam, the Parker’s Heritage Collection is an eagerly awaited series that changes style each year-sometimes bourbon, sometimes rye whiskey, sometimes even wheat whiskey. Every release tells a different story, with the proceeds often supporting ALS research. These bottles are both collectible and meaningful with a different expression every year. We have had an 11 year American Whiskey, a 13 year old Wheat Whiskey, a Malt Whiskey, Bottled in Bond Whiskey, and even a couple Cognac Finished variations. Each year can bring you something completely new make it an interesting and highly anticipated release.
Parker’s Heritage bottles are more than whiskey-they are a tribute to a master and a cause.
9. Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC)
The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is the stuff of whiskey legend. Released each fall in extremely limited numbers, the collection includes:
- William Larue Weller (wheated bourbon)
- George T. Stagg (high-proof bourbon)
- Eagle Rare 17 Year
- Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey
- Sazerac Rye 18 Year
Each bottle in the BTAC set has its own dedicated fan base, and demand is so high that retailers often use a lottery to allocate bottles to lucky customers.
10. Michter’s (10 Year Bourbon, 10 Year Rye, 20 Year Bourbon, 25 Year Rye, 25 Year Bourbon, Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey)
Michter’s annual releases are some of the most coveted in the world of bourbon and rye whiskey. From the 10 Year Bourbon and Rye to the staggering 25 Year Limited Release Bourbon and the ultra-rare Celebration Sour Mash Whiskey, these bottles are the epitome of luxury and scarcity. Each is meticulously crafted and incredibly hard to find, with many offered only through lottery or to VIP customers.
11. Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond Decanter Series
Heaven Hill’s Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond Decanter Series is released twice a year, each batch aged a different number of years. The ornate decanter-style bottles are as much a collector’s item as the bourbon inside. These releases highlight the best of Bottled in Bond regulations and offer a taste of bourbon history with every pour.
12. Booker’s Limited Edition Bourbon
Booker’s releases several small batch, high-proof bourbons each year, often named to honor family and friends of the Beam family. Each batch is unique, showcasing bold flavors and robust character. Collectors love comparing the subtle differences between annual and seasonal releases.
13. Little Book Release
Little Book is a creative project from Freddie Noe, blending bourbons and other American whiskeys into something new and exciting each year. Every release is a limited edition, giving collectors and drinkers a chance to experience a blend unlike anything else on the market. The ever-changing nature and small batch runs make Little Book a must-try for anyone following the latest in bourbon innovation.
Tips for Collecting Allocated Bourbon and Rye Whiskey
- Sign up for local liquor store newsletters and lotteries-these are your best bet for rare annual releases.
- Follow distilleries and whiskey groups on social media for updates and allocation news.
- Network with other collectors and enthusiasts to trade tips and sometimes even bottles.
- Be patient and persistent. The hunt is part of the fun!
- If all else fails turn to our Auctions page and take your shot there.
Where to Learn More About Rare Bourbon Releases
There are various blogs out there and a quick Google search will point you in the right direction. A really great resource to keep an eye on is Breaking Bourbon's Bourbon Release Calendar to get an idea of when to expect certain releases to be available. It's still tough to score these bottles, but having a concept of general release date may help you land on the lady luck's side.
Start Your Bourbon Collecting Adventure!
From the legendary Pappy Van Winkle to creative blends like Little Book, these annual bourbon releases are more than just bottles, they’re experiences, investments, and the heart of whiskey culture. Stay persistent, sign up for those lotteries, and keep your eyes on the prize. Your next great bourbon find might be just around the corner! Until then, feel free to check out our auctions or view our bottles in the shop if you're looking for something now.
