As the world grapples with economic uncertainty and rising prices, Bourbon has emerged as an unexpected bright spot, demonstrating a remarkable ability to maintain consumer interest and even lower prices for its most premium offerings.
While overall Bourbon prices have seen a year-on-year increase of 7.4%, the most exclusive bottles have experienced a decline in price, offering a counterintuitive remedy to inflation. Notably, this decline applies to some of the most sought-after brands, which have dropped significantly in price compared to last year.
Despite these fluctuations, interest in Bourbon remains robust. Search data indicates strong demand not only in traditional markets like the United States and Canada but also across Europe, where Bourbon’s popularity is steadily rising. Retailers are expanding their inventories, suggesting a sustained enthusiasm for the spirit.
It appears that Bourbon may have a natural pricing ceiling, especially when compared to other luxury beverages like single malt Scotch and fine Burgundy wines. However, this does not mean that the top-tier Bourbons are affordable for the average consumer. With prices reaching astronomical heights, only those with substantial financial resources can indulge in these rare selections.
To qualify for the list of the most expensive Bourbons, each whiskey must have a minimum of five offers available on the market. This criterion has caused some notable bottles to drop off the rankings—not due to decreased prices but because they have become exceedingly hard to find. The rankings are based on the highest global average retail price (GARP) for each product.
Top 10 Most Expensive Bourbons According to Wine-Searcher:
Whiskey Name Score Average Price
- Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old N/A $52,252
- Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Selection 23 Year Old N/A $34,976
- Old Rip Van Winkle Twisted Spoke 16 Year Old N/A $31,170
- Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash 94 $23,584
- Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 17 Year Old N/A $22,666
- Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Family Reserve 16 Year Old N/A $20,047
- Colonel EH Taylor Old Fashioned Sour Mash 88 $19,728
- The Last Drop 1980 Buffalo Trace N/A $15,914
- Hirsch Reserve 15 Year Pot Still N/A $15,509
- Weller’s Antique Reserve 10 Year Old N/A $12,406
A comparison of the current prices to those from last year reveals a notable trend. The most expensive Bourbon last year, Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old, commanded a GARP exceeding $53,000, representing a modest decline of 2.5%. Other Bourbons on the list saw even steeper drops, with some falling by over 20%. However, only two Bourbons—Old Rip Van Winkle Twisted Spoke and Michter’s Celebration—recorded price increases of 6.6% and 7.1%, respectively.
Looking back five years, the most expensive Bourbon was priced at $20,354. By 2020, only two bottles featured five-figure price tags, while prices peaked in 2022 at an average GARP of $25,854 for the top 10 Bourbons. Today, that figure has slightly decreased to $24,825—a reduction of about 4%.
While current trends may suggest caution for investors, the long-term trajectory remains positive. In 2019, the average GARP was just $8,090, and one could make the top 10 list with a price of only $3,189. In the past five years, the prices of the top Bourbons have effectively tripled, indicating a resilient market for this cherished spirit.
For enthusiasts and collectors, the outlook is encouraging, with prices for rare Bourbons trending favorably despite broader economic challenges.
