The Rise of “Limited Edition” Bourbon Releases

Bourbon has seen a huge surge in popularity over the past few years, with more and more people getting into the hobby of collecting and drinking bourbon. One trend that has emerged in the bourbon world is the rise of “limited edition” releases. These are special batches of bourbon that are produced in limited quantities and released once a year or less.

One of the most popular is the Pappy Van Winkle line of bourbons. These are highly sought after and command high prices on the secondary market. Other brands, such as Buffalo Trace, have also started releasing their own limited edition bourbons.

The Reality of “Limited Edition” Releases

While these limited edition bourbons may sound exclusive and rare, the reality is often quite different. Many of these limited edition releases are actually produced in much larger quantities than you might think.

Take for example the Pappy Van Winkle line. While the company does produce a limited number of bottles each year, they also have multiple bottlings throughout the year. This means that the total number of bottles produced is actually much higher than the advertised limited edition number.

Another issue with limited edition releases is the way that they are sold. Many companies will release their limited edition bourbons through lotteries or online sales that require customers to enter their information and hope to be selected. This can create a sense of competition and exclusivity, but it also means that the bourbons are not being distributed fairly to customers who might be interested.

The Future of “Limited Edition” Releases

There’s no doubt that people will continue to be interested in limited edition bourbons, but it’s important to recognize the farce that has emerged around them. Companies are more interested in creating buzz and demand than they are in producing truly exclusive products.

In the future, it’s possible that we’ll see a shift away from the hype of limited edition releases and a return to the traditional method of producing bourbon. This means focusing on quality and consistency rather than creating a sense of exclusivity.

The Bottom Line

If you’re just getting into bourbon, don’t be swayed by the hype of limited edition releases. Instead, focus on the bourbon that’s readily available and try different brands and expressions until you find something you really enjoy.

And if you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast, don’t get caught up in the race to collect every limited edition bottle. Remember, the true joy of bourbon comes from sharing it with friends and family and enjoying it in the moment.