Top 12 Bourbons Over $500:

Introduction:

Good bourbon is a lot like good wine in that it can be incredibly complex, nuanced, and prized by collectors. While most bourbons on the market are relatively cheap and easy to come by, there are those that are much rarer, more expensive, and highly sought after.

Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top 12 bourbons over $500, ranked based on price, rarity, quality, and overall reputation. Whether you’re a serious Bourbon enthusiast or just looking for an indulgent treat, these bottles are sure to impress.

1. Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year:

Pappy Van Winkle’s is one of the most famous and highly regarded bourbon brands in the world, known for its incredibly smooth, rich flavor and long, mellow finish. The 23 year expression is the crown jewel of the brand, and it’s nearly impossible to find, with bottles routinely selling for thousands of dollars at auction.

2. Black Bowmore 1964:

Black Bowmore is a truly decadent, unforgettable bourbon that’s been aged for an incredible 50 years. It’s known for its deep, complex flavor profile, which features notes of tobacco, leather, dried fruit, and dark chocolate. While it’s incredibly rare and expensive, it’s widely considered one of the best bourbons on the market.

3. Glenlivet 1943:

The Glenlivet 1943 is one of the oldest bourbons in the world, aged for a staggering 70 years. It’s incredibly rare and difficult to find, with only a few bottles left in existence. It’s also incredibly expensive, with bottles selling for upwards of $30,000 at auction. But for serious collectors, it’s worth every penny.

4. Highland Park 50 Year:

Highland Park 50 Year is a truly incredible bourbon that’s been aged for a half-century. It’s incredibly complex and nuanced, with notes of honey, marzipan, and dried fruit. It’s also become increasingly rare and expensive in recent years, with bottles selling for upwards of $20,000.

5. Macallan 1946:

Macallan 1946 is one of the oldest and rarest bourbons on the market, aged for an incredible 52 years. It’s known for its deep, dark color and rich flavor profile, which features notes of sherry, dark chocolate, and dried fruit. While it’s incredibly expensive, it’s also widely considered one of the best bourbons in the world.

6. Yamazaki 50 Year:

Yamazaki 50 Year is a rare Japanese bourbon that’s been aged for half a century. It’s known for its incredibly complex flavor profile, which features notes of oak, vanilla, and dried fruit. It’s also incredibly expensive, with bottles selling for upwards of $60,000.

7. The Glenlivet 1943 Private Collection:

The Glenlivet 1943 Private Collection is a truly rare and special bourbon that’s been aged for a staggering 70 years. It’s been bottled in limited quantities, with only a few hundred bottles ever released. It’s incredibly expensive, with bottles selling for upwards of $40,000.

8. Laphroaig 40 Year:

Laphroaig 40 Year is a rare and highly sought-after single malt bourbon that’s been aged for four decades. It’s incredibly smoky and peaty, with notes of sea salt and charred oak. It’s also incredibly expensive, with bottles routinely selling for thousands of dollars.

9. The Macallan 1926:

The Macallan 1926 is one of the oldest and rarest bourbons in the world, aged for over 60 years. It’s known for its incredibly smooth, mellow flavor profile, which features notes of vanilla, fruit, and caramel. While it’s incredibly expensive, it’s also highly regarded as one of the best bourbons in the world.

10. Bowmore 50 Year:

Bowmore 50 Year is another incredibly rare and highly sought-after bourbon that’s been aged for over half a century. It’s known for its deep, complex flavor profile, which features notes of smoke, sea salt, and peat. While it’s incredibly expensive, it’s also widely considered one of the best bourbons on the market.

11. The Balvenie 50 Year:

The Balvenie 50 Year is a truly decadent and unforgettable bourbon that’s been aged for a half-century. It’s incredibly complex and nuanced, with notes of honey, vanilla, and dark chocolate. While it’s incredibly expensive, it’s also widely considered one of the best bourbons in the world.

12. Highland Park 40 Year:

Finally, Highland Park 40 Year is a rare and highly sought-after single malt bourbon that’s been aged for four decades. It’s known for its incredible complexity and depth of flavor, with notes of honey, heather, and light smoke. It’s also incredibly expensive, with bottles routinely selling for thousands of dollars.

Conclusion:

There you have it – the top 12 bourbons over $500, ranked based on price, rarity, quality, and overall reputation. While these bourbons may be pricey, they’re also widely considered some of the best in the world and are sure to impress even the most discerning bourbon enthusiasts.