Bourbon Dispatches No. 12 – Targeting the Next Generation of Rare Bourbons

This week I am continuing the series on How to Hunt Rare Bourbons based on an article in Whisky Advocate by Fred Minnick about finding rare Bourbons.

To subscribe and read the article in its entirety go here.

Under the second rule of Bourbon hunting, Minnick advises seekers to "Select Your Target Carefully."

He explains how some Bourbon hunters are moving away from the biggest fish in the sea like Pappy and BTAC (Buffalo Trace Antique Collection) because "competition has grown too fierce." Instead, they're searching for --- and finding --- some of the hard-to-find Bourbons that aren't on every Bourbon drinkers radar --- yet.

He mentions three that he thinks fit this category:

• Michter's 10 Year Old
• High West Midwinter Night's Dram
• Angel's Envy Cask Strength

Minnick notes "these brands are still hot and you must work hard to find them, but they tend to be regional hits. For example, Angel's Envy Cask Strength requires a raffle in Louisville, but may sit in Chicago stores for a couple of days."

He also says that savvy hunters are finding some great, rare bourbons at distillery gift shops, including Willett's where you may be lucky enough to stumble across 23 year old Willett Rye.

So if you want to be part of the next generation of rare Bourbon hunters you need to think beyond the Pappys and the BTACs to the next tier of "up and comers."

As Minnick concludes "while newbies are distracted with with BTAC and Pappy, veteran hunters are cleaning house with other rare Bourbons."

In the comments section below, tell us what other hard-to-find Bourbons you would add to Minnick's list.

Happy Hunting!