4 Tips for Picking Out an Expensive Bourbon

Nov 07, 2024

Are you struggling to find the perfect gift for the person who seems to have everything? Or perhaps you're looking to elevate your own bourbon collection with something rare and exceptional? Whether you're shopping for yourself or someone else, picking the right bottle can feel like a daunting task. With countless options on the market, how do you know which bourbon is truly worth the investment?

At The Bourbon Concierge, we understand the challenge. Our mission is to help you navigate through the sea of choices and find the most popular, rare, and sought-after bourbons. Whether you're looking for a unique gift or something special for your own collection, we’re here to make the decision easier. In this guide, we’ll share expert tips on selecting the perfect high-end bourbon, backed by years of experience in curating the finest bottles available.

Tip #1 - Seek Out Bourbons with Outstanding Depth and Value

In the crowded world of premium bourbons, some bottles carry a high price due to their name alone, while others deliver exceptional quality without the inflated cost. At The Bourbon Concierge, our mission is to help you navigate these choices, ensuring that you’re getting the most value for your money. Some well-regarded bourbons remain accessible if you know where to look, giving you the satisfaction of owning a quality bottle without overspending.

Eagle Rare 10-Year: This bourbon is a classic example of how you can find a high-quality, well-aged bourbon at a reasonable price. It offers a rich, complex flavor profile that rivals more expensive bottles, making it a great value for bourbon lovers.
Elijah Craig Small Batch: Known for its smooth, balanced taste and approachable price, this bourbon often surprises with its quality. It’s perfect for those who want an impressive bottle that doesn’t come with a hefty price tag, proving that you don’t have to break the bank for quality.
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style: While it’s a bit higher in price than the others, it’s a great deal for its bold, high-proof flavor. Its complexity and intensity make it a standout bourbon, often found at a price that undercuts similar high-proof bourbons from premium brands.
Maker’s Mark 46: Offering a unique taste with its additional stave finishing process, this bottle delivers an enhanced flavor at a reasonable cost. It’s a perfect choice for those looking for something distinct and rich, without venturing into the ultra-premium price range.

Tip #2 - Trust Our Experts to Find Rare and Remarkable Bourbons

In the world of bourbon, trusting the right experts can transform your buying experience. At The Bourbon Concierge, based in the heart of Georgetown, Washington, D.C., we do more than just stock popular bottles. As a small, specialized business, we handpick rare finds and hidden gems that reflect our years of expertise and passion for bourbon. While many of our customers shop online, they know they’re supporting a local business that takes pride in offering carefully curated, high quality and rare spirits selections that can't be found in big-box or major ABC stores

Blanton’s Single Barrel: Blanton’s is known for its unique, single-barrel production, where each bottle comes from a single barrel, creating subtle differences with every release. At The Bourbon Concierge, we’ve tasted countless Blanton’s barrels, allowing us to recommend the ones with the richest flavor profiles and most balanced finishes. This attention to detail ensures that when you buy from us, you’re getting the best of what Blanton’s has to offer.
Weller Special Reserve: As the precursor to the famous Pappy Van Winkle line, Weller Special Reserve is a must-have for bourbon lovers. However, it often flies under the radar. Our staff knows the history behind this iconic wheated bourbon and can guide you toward why it’s such a special bottle. With its smooth, soft profile, it offers the signature characteristics of Pappy but at a fraction of the price—another example of our expertise in finding value and quality.
Bourbon Concierge Single Barrel Picks: These exclusive bottles are a true testament to our expertise and dedication to providing something truly unique. Hand-selected by our team directly from the distiller, these barrels are bottled just for us—meaning you won’t find them anywhere else. These super rare, demure selections showcase our refined palate and commitment to offering something beyond the ordinary.
Henry McKenna Single Barrel: This under-the-radar bottle has gained significant respect among bourbon connoisseurs, and for good reason. At The Bourbon Concierge, we recommend it for its depth, complexity, and single-barrel variation. We know how to spot the barrels that stand out, ensuring you get the best that Henry McKenna has to offer.

Tip 3 - Discover Rare Bottles Worth the Search

For bourbon connoisseurs, the thrill of finding a truly rare bottle lies not only in its price tag but in the story it tells and the unique drinking experience it offers. At The Bourbon Concierge, we specialize in helping you find these elusive bottles, ensuring that your collection or tasting experience is as exceptional as the bourbon itself.

When selecting an expensive bourbon, it’s important to distinguish between bottles that are truly rare and those that are simply marketed as glamorous or exclusive. True rarity often comes from limited production runs, historical significance, or unique aging processes that make each bottle one of a kind. While these rare bourbons tend to be more expensive, they offer a level of excitement and satisfaction for collectors and connoisseurs alike, knowing they’ve found something special that few others will ever taste.

Pre-Prohibition Old Crow Chessmen Decanters: These bottles are more than just bourbon—they’re a piece of history. Produced before Prohibition, these decanters were part of a series of intricately designed, collectible bottles. The rarity of Pre-Prohibition Old Crow Chessmen makes them highly coveted among bourbon enthusiasts, not only for the historical significance but also for the distinctive bourbon inside, which has a depth of flavor that you just can’t find today.
Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year: Often considered the pinnacle of rare bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year is more than just a status symbol. It offers a rich, deep flavor profile, crafted through its longer aging process and wheated recipe. Its rarity stems from limited production, which drives demand and price. For collectors and connoisseurs alike, finding a bottle of Pappy is a thrilling experience—one that combines prestige and exceptional taste.
Old Fitzgerald 19-Year Decanter: This bottle doesn’t just stand out for its rarity but also for its stunning decanter presentation. It’s an homage to the bottled-in-bond legacy, with a flavor profile that speaks to decades of craftsmanship. Bourbon lovers are drawn to it for both its age and its beautiful packaging, making it a centerpiece in any collection.
William Larue Weller: Part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, William Larue Weller is a cask-strength, wheated bourbon that is notoriously difficult to find. Its uncut, unfiltered nature results in bold, robust flavors, making each release a unique experience. The rarity of this bottle adds an extra layer of excitement for bourbon enthusiasts, as finding it feels like discovering a hidden gem.

Tip #4 - Decide Whether to Savor or Save Each Pour

Whether you’re buying to drink or to collect, choosing the right bourbon is about understanding its purpose and the experience you want. At The Bourbon Concierge, our expert team is here to help you make the perfect selection—whether you’re looking for a special bottle to enjoy or a rare gem for your collection. If you’re seeking something particularly elusive, don’t hesitate to contact us using our form to request rare bottles. We specialize in sourcing the most sought-after bourbons, even those that may not be listed in our current inventory.

For more expert advice, you can continue exploring our blog for insights on everything from bourbon history to the best bottles for any occasion. Or, if you prefer a more personal touch, feel free to stop by our store in Georgetown or reach out directly. We’re always here to guide you on your bourbon journey and ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Michter’s 20-Year Bourbon: Its long aging process results in a rich, complex flavor profile with layers of dark fruit, caramel, and oak. Though it carries a high price, it’s meant to be enjoyed, offering a deep and rewarding sipping experience for those who love well-aged bourbon.
E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof: Its uncut, unfiltered nature delivers bold, intense flavors best suited for those who enjoy strong, high-proof bourbon. It’s a great choice for the bourbon enthusiast who wants something with power and complexity, best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water.
Double Eagle Very Rare: The hand-blown decanter and eagle-shaped stopper make it a centerpiece in any bourbon collection, and its extremely limited production adds to its allure. The bourbon itself is excellent, but this is the kind of bottle most will display rather than drink.
Pappy Van Winkle 20-Year: As one of the most sought-after bourbons in the world, Pappy Van Winkle 20-Year is prized for its rarity and historical significance. While it offers an exceptional drinking experience, most who acquire it choose to preserve it as an investment, knowing its value will appreciate over time.