The bourbon secondary market has seen a surge in popularity, with collectors and enthusiasts eagerly seeking out rare and limited-edition bottles. Within this dynamic landscape, certain bourbons have become highly coveted commodities, driving up prices and fueling the practice of flipping. In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 most flipped bourbons on the market, highlighting their desirability, characteristics, and the factors that contribute to their flipping appeal.

1. Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve:

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve is synonymous with rare and highly sought-after bourbon. Known for its exceptional quality and limited production, the Pappy Van Winkle lineup, including the 15, 20, and 23-year-old expressions, commands significant attention in the secondary market. Its scarcity and reputation for excellence have made it a favorite among collectors and flippers alike.

2. Buffalo Trace Antique Collection:

The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) consists of five annual releases: George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye, Eagle Rare 17 Year, and Sazerac 18 Year. These expressions are highly sought-after due to their limited availability and exceptional craftsmanship. Each bottle within the collection possesses unique flavor profiles and represents the pinnacle of bourbon distillation.

3. Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch:

Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch releases generate significant interest in the secondary market. Known for their masterful blending of different bourbons, Four Roses consistently delivers exceptional quality. The limited nature of these small-batch expressions contributes to their desirability and subsequent flipping potential.

4. Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel:

Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel is a highly regarded bourbon renowned for its rich flavor and lengthy aging process. As one of the oldest expressions within the Elijah Craig lineup, this bourbon showcases complexity and maturity that whiskey enthusiasts find irresistible. Its limited production and critical acclaim make it a sought-after bottle for flipping.

5. Weller Full Proof:

Part of the Weller lineup, Weller Full Proof offers a high-proof, wheated bourbon experience that appeals to whiskey enthusiasts seeking bold and flavorful expressions. With its limited availability and a loyal following, Weller Full Proof has become a highly sought-after bottle, driving up its value in the secondary market.

6. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon:

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is an annual limited-edition release that celebrates the birthday of George Garvin Brown, the founder of Old Forester. This bourbon boasts a unique flavor profile and a vintage-specific release each year. The combination of limited production, consistent quality, and a dedicated following contributes to its flipping potential.

7. Booker’s Bourbon Limited Editions:

Booker’s Bourbon Limited Editions are highly regarded for their uncut, unfiltered nature and robust flavors. Released in small batches, these expressions showcase the art of barrel selection and are eagerly sought after by collectors and bourbon enthusiasts. The limited availability and high-quality reputation of Booker’s Bourbon make it a prime target for flipping.

8. Blanton’s Single Barrel:

Blanton’s Single Barrel bourbon has gained global recognition for its distinctive bottle design and exceptional flavor profile. Each bottle is hand-selected and represents the unique characteristics of its barrel. The popularity of Blanton’s, coupled with its limited availability in certain regions, has fueled its flipping potential.

9. Michter’s Limited Editions:

Michter’s Limited Editions are highly anticipated releases within the bourbon community. Michter’s is known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, resulting in expressions that showcase exceptional flavor profiles. Limited production runs and critical acclaim contribute to the desirability of Michter’s Limited Editions in the secondary market.

10. Willett Family Estate Bottled Bourbon:

Willett Family Estate Bottled Bourbon, often referred to as “Willett Family Estate” or “Willett Single Barrel,” is highly sought after by bourbon collectors and enthusiasts. These single-barrel expressions offer unique and diverse flavor profiles, showcasing the artistry of Willett’s distillation and barrel selection process. The scarcity of these bottles adds to their allure in the flipping market.

Conclusion:

The top 10 most flipped bourbons represent a combination of rarity, quality, and a devoted following within the bourbon community. From Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve to Willett Family Estate Bottled Bourbon, these expressions have captured the attention of collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. However, it is important to remember that the joy of bourbon lies in its taste and appreciation, rather than its potential monetary value. Whether you’re a collector or a bourbon enthusiast, the journey of exploring and enjoying the diverse world of bourbon is an experience to be cherished.