30 Over the Top Splurge Bottles for Whiskey Lovers Only
In the past year, you’ve probably seen news articles about higher and higher-priced whiskies, breaking records at auctions, or for oldest whisky on the market. While these sorts of high-end, special releases have been popular for some time, it seems like producers really ramped things up this year.
What makes a whiskey expensive?
Some high-end splurge bottles for whiskey lovers
Whiskies (and whiskeys) are very expensive for a number of reasons. Often it’s the sheer age: with Scotch, anything over about 35 or 40 years becomes extremely challenging to craft and bottle. Even properly aged, the angel’s share (alcohol evaporation) in chilly Scotland means a single barrel can be too low-proof or empty to bottle, and needs to be combined with other extra-old barrels on a regular basis. Sometimes a high-end whisky incorporates juice from long-closed distilleries, meaning only a very limited supply is available. Sometimes it’s a decently expensive whisky packaged in an obscenely expensive crystal or titanium bottle. And now, in the era of crypto, sometimes it’s because a moderately high-priced bottle has a very high-priced limited-edition NFT attached.
Whatever the case, it’s increasingly common for brands to announce bottles costing $5,000, $10,000, $30,000 or more. We’ve excluded collector whiskies that become valuable on the secondary market.
Remember, whisky collectors are savvy folks. “With highly limited releases, such as the Balvenie Sixty or Glenfiddich 50-Year, oftentimes luxury bars, restaurants, and retail stores are aware of the products before they come to market, and seek them out,” says Greg Levine, Vice President of Marketing Single Malts for William Grant & Sons. “Whisky aficionados tend to reach out to those luxury establishments for information on how to secure their own bottle.”
Here are some of the most expensive whiskies on the market right now, along with a few more reasonable, but still pricey, options. Where possible, we’ve also tried to highlight where you can actually pick up one of these unicorns*.
A brand-new release (so it may take some hunting to find), this incredibly rich, full-bodied whisky is distilled in six stills a total of 2.81 times (not sure how they figure the math on that), split and finished in three casks—Bordeaux, Guatemalan rum, and calvados—then married in custom quarter casks. The result is intense, but with complex fruit notes, chocolates, caramel, and a long black pepper finish. Mortlach bills itself as the “first legal distillery in Dufftown,” dating back to 1821 (with bootlegging happening on site before that), the whiskies are elegant and complex, but reflect their coastal origins with a bold intensity (the Mortlach Distillery 16-Year won Double Gold at this year’s New York International Spirits Competition). Only 350 bottles of this extra-aged spirit (49.1% ABV) are released annually. Try Blackwell’s in San Francisco for a bottle.
$5,000
Islay-based Bowmore makes big, smoky whiskies that are, frankly, delicious. They’ve been releasing a number of pricy releases in the past few years, including 50-year expressions (the 1965 initially started at $30,000), annual releases of its 30-Year (around $2,800), and The Bowmore Masters’ Selection released in January. The 21-year, sherry cask-finished whisky is a collaboration with luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin, incorporating the concept of the Golden Ratio in its development (about $400).
This fall, Bowmore took things next level with ARC-52, another collaboration with Aston Martin. 100 bottles of the 52-year-old rare release is the one of the oldest whiskies Bowmore has ever produced. The whisky comes from two barrels (equal parts): American Oak Hogshead and European Oak Butt, creating a vitally complex flavor profile that just keeps giving. If the whisky began life during the first Moon landing, the artistic, sweeping decanter—designed by the Aston Martin team—represents the latest technologies in 3D printing and clay modeling in order to create a veritable statue and tribute to fine whisky heritage. The specially designed metal closure features a magnetic key to open it. In the U.S., you can hunt down bottles in NYC and LA.
$75,000 (you read that right)
The Macallan, located in Speyside in the Scottish Highlands, may be the expert brand at astronomically expensive whisky releases. It’s regularly broken auction records, and releases several core bottlings (like Macallan M) that run into the several thousands of dollars. This year, there are three M releases, known...ummm... collectively as the M Collection. Designed to reflect Macallan’s “Six Pillars” (Natural Color, Mastery, Curiously Small Spirit Stills, The Estate, Exceptional Oak Casks and Sherry Seasoning, the acronym of which somehow doesn’t spell “Shazam”), each expression highlights a distinct pillar. The core Macallan M 2022 emphasizes natural color, matured in a small number of specific sherry-seasoned casks. The M Black 2022 (Mastery) marries classic Macallan sherry notes with peated whisky for a subtle smokiness and rich golden amber color. M Copper 2022 highlights those Curiously Small Spirit Stills which once produced all of the brand’s whiskey (before larger, higher-production copper stills were introduced. Filled with fruit and umami notes, it’s a distinctly small still driven spirit. Each arrives in a handcrafted, custom made Lalique crystal decanter.
$6,750 / $7,750 / $8,500
Extra-old Irish whiskeys, especially Single Malts, are hard to come by. But Teeling, a family-run label with a long distilling heritage and a willingness to push boundaries, has been able to hang onto a decent amount of “family reserve” stock over the decades, and all that waiting is finally paying off. This year, Teeling launched both a 30-year finished in ex-Sauternes casks (the fourth release of a specific expression that was first launched at 21 years old) and a newly released 32-year-aged expression. The exceptional 32-year whiskey (released November 1st) was drawn from a single cask by master distiller Alex Chasko. The whiskey was distilled in 1990 and matured in ex-bourbon barrels for 28 years. After some experimentation, Chasko landed on six Portuguese Purple Muscat (French oak) casks to finish the whiskey for an additional four years. The final result—only 283 bottles at 53.7% ABV, all in the U.S.—is a transcendent experience. A full-bodied, but fruit forward, complex Single Malt Irish Whiskey with deep, juicy red berry fruit notes and a spicy, lingering dry finish. Run, don’t walk, to track down one of these, and feel free to drink it. Chasko says, “It’s lovely that people want to collect it, it’s a nice affirmation of your status. I’d much rather people drink it and enjoy it for a special event.” Want to learn more? Check out What’s Tony Drinking for a full review.
$3,500
Since 2008, the Last Drop team (initially launched by James Espey and Tom Jago) have been scouring the globe for the oldest, rarest, most unusual whiskies, rums, Cognac and more to source, bottle and serve up in extremely limited, very expensive editions. To an edition, they are delicious and bring new (and very old) concepts to the table. Last year the team introduced the Signature Blend series, crafted by a small team of experts. Release No 28, helmed by Sazerac Master Blender Drew Mayville, is the second in this series. Mayville worked from vintage whiskeys he’s gathered during his time with Buffalo Trace Distillery, sampling more than 40 different vintage bourbons and ryes before he developed the blend he liked. We’re not getting a lot of detail as to age, but we can count on the Last Drop Distillers team to make something that has never existed before. As it is, only 1,458 bottles of the sophisticated 60.7% ABV Release No 28 exist. Alongside the numbered and signed bottle in its signature oak case, you get a 50ml sample so you can enjoy without opening the whole bottle right away.
$4,000
The Balvenie, located in Dufftown, Speyside, has carved out a specific space in the Scotch single malt world, sponsoring high-end artisans and craftspeople each year and experimenting with unusual barrel finishes before it was cool. This summer they released the Rare Marriages Range in the U.S. The collection consists of three distinct, luxury single malts—a 25-Year ($800), 30-Year ($2,400), and 40-Year ($6,750)—each presented in unique specialized packaging. And now the company has released The Balvenie Sixty, moving things into the stratosphere. Limited to 71 bottles worldwide, it’s The Balvenie’s oldest release ever (42.4% ABV), having been laid down in 1962 and overseen since by the same malt master, David Stewart (along with recently appointed malt master Kelsey McKechnie). It’s a whisky so long in its original barrels, that their actual source and history has been lost to time. It’s also one of the most expensive, non-auction whiskies you can buy.
$145,000
The venerable Kentucky distillery has been around since 1935, and in recent years has been offering up rare and unusual selections from its vast rick houses, and releasing product under the distillery’s name (in addition to labels like Elijah Craig and Old Fitzgerald, which recently launched a 19-year Bottled-in-Bond expression worth hunting down). President and founding family member) Max L. Shapira and his team have set aside spectacular casks and monitored them closely as they’ve aged. Featuring the core Heaven Hill Bourbon mash bill (including a healthy 12% of malted barley), bottled at 59.1% ABV, the new release features component whiskies aged 17 to 20 years. It arrives in an elegant blue box with a double-H insignia stamped in gold. Though the expression was launched with a suggested price tag of $280, you’ll generally find it between $1,000 and $2,000 on the retail market.
$280 - $2,000
For the third year, spirits giant Diageo has brought together rare single malt whiskies into a collection of eight bottles. Each represents casks that are the first or last of its kind, often from long-closed distilleries, hard-to-find blend components, or rare experimentations. Curated by Diageo Master Blender Craig Wilson, this collection includes special releases from the Brora (40-year) and Port Ellen (41-year) distilleries, along with the first bottling from the final casks of the 1987 vintage The Singleton of Glen Ord. You’ll find an experimental 1981 Royal Lochnagar 40-year, a 48-year Gragganmore 1973, and a dark, uniquely matured Mannochmore 1990. There are only 317 full sets of this release, and for the first time, customers could register to buy individual bottles as well. While registration for this collection (the only way to acquire them on the primary market) wrapped this summer, you can inquire directly to see if sets or bottles are still available, or gear up to register for next year’s release.
$42,000
Hibiki Japanese whisky came about in 1989, elevating Japanese blended whiskies almost instantly. A blend of malt and grain whiskies from House of Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries (each using very distinct, proprietary methods to create whisky), Hibiki Harmony hit the US a few years back at a time when the thirst for Japanese whisky was high but supply of well-aged single malts was small and was a huge hit. A new Hibiki Harmony expression, Blossom Harmony ($160), hit the market in October. Equally significant, Hibiki 30-year also arrived in the U.S. for the first time. First released in 1997, Hibiki 30 is a blend of select Yamazaki 30-year-old malt whiskies (if you’ve had the coveted Yamazaki 21- or 25-Year, you know how incredible it can be). Dark amber and rich with baked fruit and stone fruit jam notes, it’s a sit-by-the-fire-after-dinner sort of drink to slowly savor. The SRP was $5,000 in October, but it sells for $10,000 or more at online retail sites. Check with your local higher-end retailer to see if they received an allocation and can offer a better deal.
$5,000
The fourth in a seasonally-released collection by Brooklyn-based Widow Jane, the 2022 edition of The Vaults was crafted by master distiller Lisa Wicker and released just before she left the company to return to Kentucky. This expression saw Wicker source and bring together carefully-aged bourbons ranging from 14 to 19 years from among the stores in Widow Jane’s rick house, finishing it in Missouri oak casks and brought to proof with its signature limestone mineral water from the historic Rosendale Mines in upstate New York. The result is, well, incredibly delicious. Complex, and rich with notes of chocolate, spice and a hint of smoke, it rests at just the right proof (49.5% ABV) to warm you through the winter months. Find this one allocated nationally to better liquor stores, including Total Wine or Caskers.
$250
Another new release, finding a 44-year whisky is a journey in itself. Finding Talisker this age, up till now, was impossible, because this is the oldest expression released from the venerable distillery on the western shores of the Isle of Skye. The name and character are inspired by a scientific expedition to the Great African Sea Forest by Talisker’s ocean conservation partner Parley for the Oceans. The mission, supported by Talisker, involved diving into the depths of the natural kelp forest to learn more about preserving it. Oak cask staves were on-board, and later charred using sustainably farmed Scottish sea kelp and stave wood shavings. The four-decade-old whisky was then finished in marine oak casks. The result is bold, elegantly matured classic style Talisker with a big, smoky oceanic character and deep flavor profile. Only 1,997 bottles were released worldwide, with 102 coming to the U.S.
$4,500
If your familiarity with Johnnie Walker blended Scotch whisky is limited to one or two of the core labels, then the Ghost and Rare series (this is the fifth iteration) is something of a revelation. Whisky components from “ghost” distilleries (long closed and no longer producing) are incorporated into the regular Blue Label blend for a new experience. Here, Port Dundas (Glasgow, 1811-2010) whiskies are featured in the blend, along with other ghost whiskies from Cambus and Brora Distilleries (there’s a new Brora on the previous distillery’s site, but it’s not the same one). Adding to the newness this time: 75 one-of-a-kind NFTs from AI artist Ivona Tau, attached to the bottle via BlockBar. BlockBar will store your whiskey in special facilities in Singapore, until you re-sell, gift or burn the NFT (yeah, we don’t get it either). As of this writing, the lowest “ask” was .89 ETH (Etherium) which at this writing translates to about $1,000, though if you follow the crypto market, you know that can change rapidly. Not pricey enough for you? Caskers has a pre-order set up for Johnnie Walker Masters of Flavor 48-Year Scotch, selling for $25,000 a bottle.
About $1,000
Don’t let the number in the name confuse you, this Batch 11 is a rare 28-year single malt Scotch from one of Scotland’s oldest licensed Highland distilleries (1826) from master blender Dr. Rachel Barrie, one of the preeminent Scottish blenders in the industry today. Each numbered batch in this collection is progressively a bit older. “Grandeur Batch 11, which is aged for a minimum of 28 years, is selected from just a handful of rare (Sherry) casks, nurtured over an incredibly long period,” says Rory Glasgow, national brand ambassador for the GlenDronach. The result is a deep ruby-walnut whisky (48.9% ABV) with a large, fragrant bouquet of honey, almond and baked stone fruit. Each bottle is sealed with wax and hand numbered. Looking for something even more exclusive? A 50-Year expression is coming soon.
$800
For truly exclusive gift giving, consider these nearly unique Casks of Distinction, available only to Diageo’s private clients. Working with Private Client Advisors to select from specifically selected, fully mature casks from distilleries across Scotland (the price of each varies depending on a number of factors, and can run well into the six figures). Draw from labels like Lagavulin, Cardhu, Royal Lochnager, Talisker and more. Depending on which casks and how many are selected, the final Holiday bill might run into the millions. Interested in seeing if you qualify for the private client list? You can reach out to Diageo here. If you’ve got a little cash squared away and want to see what all the fuss is about, they’ve made a bottling of the Benrinnes 21-Year Casks of Distinction (540 bottles, to be precise), that you can order here, if it’s still available.
By the time most people can afford well-aged whiskies, the bulk are much younger than the people buying them. That’s fine, but sometimes it’s nice to get something older than you are (or at least, not too much younger). Glenfiddich—a Dufftown-based, family-owned distillery—has announced its first-ever ultra-premium aged range, dubbed “Time Re:Imagined.” The collection includes a 30-Year ($1,299), 40-Year ($4,600) and the new crown jewel, a 50-year aged expression, overseen by three different malt masters since the 1960s. Three American Oak refill casks, all matured in the same warehouse, were married and finished in a fourth American Oak refill cask for two years. It’s classic Speyside-style whisky with intense notes of candied orange, citrus flower, vanilla and oak. Only 220 decanters of this extremely rare spirit are available worldwide, and each bottle features a sculptural outer packaging, designed by computational architect Manuel Jiménez García, framing the beautiful juice inside.
$50,000
Part of the 2022 edition of Diageo’s very popular annual release of rare and fine Scotch whisky expressions (this year called Elusive Expressions Special Releases). Cameronbridge—in the Scottish Lowlands—is the largest, and may be the oldest grain distillery in Europe, with roots dating back to the mid-1600s and a named distillery initially launched in 1813. Though it produces a range of grain products, from popular vodkas and gins to non-barley whiskies, it also boasts a complex and elegant single grain Scotch. It’s light and fruity, while the extra age adds a complexity of oak, vanilla, coconut and more. It’s the first time Cameronbridge has been represented in the Elusive Expressions collection and definitely worth adding to your own.
$320
A relatively recent label which incorporates and blends the final remaining stocks of the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery (which closed in 1992), with other aged and rare Kentucky whiskies. Blade and Bow quickly became a popular destination bourbon whiskey for collectors. Its extra-aged bourbons regularly win industry awards, quickly sell out and generally sell for two or three times the suggested sale price at both retailers and on the secondary market. Each year’s releases vary a little bit and can sometimes trend oaky and tannic. This year’s release, however, is sublime. Notes of fresh apricot, orange, oak, caramel and baked apples dominate a warm, seamlessly blended whiskey. The brand distributes to allocated retailers in 14 states, including Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon, and Texas, among others. Or head to the Garden & Gun Club bar at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky and participate in the Blade and Bow 22-Year Tasting Experience ($150).
$700
Holiday gifts are nice. Holiday gifts that are extra pretty are really nice. Available in the U.S. for the first time is this elegant interpretation of the classic Woodford Reserve whiskey. Aged six to seven years as a classic bourbon in new American oak, master distiller Chris Morris then selects specific barrels to be finished in select XO Cognac barrels (each of which held Cognac for at least three seasons). The result is an American whiskey, with all its notes of caramel, maple, vanilla and spice, with subtle notes from the Cognac-soaked French oak: Red fruits, herbs and pepper spice, and a subtle marzipan finish. The 45.2% ABV whisky is then bottled in an elegant custom Baccarat crystal decanter, and arrives in a signature Baccarat red box with a beautiful crystal stopper. Find it at Reserve Bar now.
$2,000
*NOTE: It’s important to remember that retailers can price their product at any level they want. It’s common to find limited edition whiskies selling at twice their suggested retail price, even at your local liquor store.
By definition, most of these releases are very limited and are snapped up quickly. If a product is no longer available, consider that most brands release similar offerings each year. Feel free to keep this list as a guide for next year’s gifting.