If you love a good, strong shot of whiskey, then you’re going to want to know about the world’s most expensive bourbons. Bourbon is a whiskey that is aged in a used oak barrel.

It is considered one of the most popular American spirits, and it has been around for roughly two centuries.

This article will explore some of the world’s most expensive bourbons and also why they cost so much.

Most Expensive Bourbon

Some of the best bourbons are aged for years and can be found in most liquor stores worldwide, however very few people can afford them.

Jefferson’s Presidential Select

Approximate Price: $1,099

Jefferson’s Presidential Select Bourbon is an exceptionally rare and expensive whiskey. It is produced by Jefferson’s Bourbon Company, established in 1997 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.

Only two distilleries produce this whiskey, which explains its rarity. Through the years, Jefferson has also won several awards for its products.

The whiskey comes in three expressions: a standard bottle, a Presidential Select bottle with a wooden box and a crystal decanter, a Presidential Reserve bottle with a wooden box, a crystal decanter, and also a special packaging.

All bottles of this whiskey have been produced to commemorate the achievements of Thomas Jefferson. The company also markets its products as collector’s items for connoisseurs of premium bourbon.

Willett Distillery Nine-Year-Old Bourbon

Approximate Price: $1,010

Willett Distillery was founded in 2000 by the three brothers, Noah, Daniel, and Kris.

After the 9/11 attacks destroyed a lot of their family’s wealth (their father was an investment banker), the three brothers decided to start a craft distilling company.

With the help of their friend Michael Jordan, they were able to begin production in 2003.

The 9-Year Old Bourbon is the flagship product of the Willett Distillery. It comprises about 60% corn and 40% rye, with a mash bill quite different from what you would see in most bourbons on the market today. The whiskey is aged 9 years in used bourbon casks and then bottled at 45.8% ABV.

Willett Distillery Family Estate Single Barrel

Approximate Price: $1,347

The Willett family has been distilling bourbon in Kentucky since the early 1800s. Their Willett Distillery Family Estate Bottled Single Barrel is also a fine addition to this exquisite list of the most expensive bourbons.

It was released as a limited edition with 110 proof and gives off unique smoky flavors with black pepper spice and mint, orange peel, and vanilla hints.

This bourbon is sure to be a delight for any whiskey enthusiast.

John E. Fitzgerald Bourbon

Approximate Price: $1,748

John E. Fitzgerald Very Special Bourbon (20-Year Old) is an expensive bourbon, coming in at $1,748 a bottle. The whiskey is distilled from corn aged for three years in oak barrels.

It’s then transferred to new charred oak barrels for an additional seven years of aging, during which time it’s cut with spring water from the year in which it was distilled.

It’s put through a charcoal filtering process twice—once when it’s first bottled and again after it’s been bottled for 20 years.

The final product has a deep amber color and also a sweet, complex, and smooth taste with notes of vanilla, honey, caramel, and fruit and hints of spice.

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon

Approximate Price: $2,794

This whiskey is an award-winning variety of bourbon. This bourbon variety is also notable for being a Chairman’s Trophy Finalist at the 2012 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

The judging panel praised its “outstanding” maturation and flavor development.

Parker Heritage Collection 2nd Edition Bourbon

Approximate Price: $3,103

The Parker Heritage Collection is an award-winning brand of limited-edition whiskies. The collection is known for its 27 years of barrel-aging.

This also brings out hints of vanilla and caramel that give a sweet sensation.

Old Fitzgerald Bourbon

Approximate Price: $3,146

In 1954, eight years of aging was extraordinarily long for bourbon to age. It’s been bottled at 100 proof to preserve its flavor and quality.

The bourbon is also incredibly soft and smooth on the tongue and on your palate, which makes it perfect for sipping and savoring slowly for hours on end.

Sour Mash Bourbon

Approximate Price: $5,000

Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash is an excellent bourbon whiskey distilled in the US and aged for 10 years. The whiskey also features a rich history and a proof of 115.6.

A.H. Hirsch Reserve Bourbon

Approximate Price: $9,000

A.h. Hirsch Reserve Straight Bourbon (16-Year Old) is an expensive bourbon, aged for a minimum of 16 years in new oak barrels, hand-selected by the distillery’s master blender.

The oaky flavor of this bourbon is also complemented by notes of vanilla and caramel, with a hint of smokiness.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Approximate Price: $16,746

Buffalo Trace Ofc Bourbon (25-Year Old) is a rare, expensive bourbon known for its smoothness and high alcohol content.

It has been distilled for decades in Kentucky by the Buffalo Trace Distillery Company.

The old-fashioned cocktail is often made using this bourbon, and it is also sometimes used as an ingredient in other cocktails. It can be found in liquor stores throughout the United States and also in Canada.

Eagle Rare Bourbon

Approximate Price: $20,354

Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon (20-Year Old Double Rare) is an expensive, high-quality bourbon that has been aged for 20 years.

It is one of the most sought-after bourbons globally and is made by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. The bottle design is also meant to be reminiscent of an eagle’s eye.

The whiskey itself has a rich amber color with a hint of red and a sweet aroma with hints of caramel and vanilla. Eagle Rare is considered to have a full body and a very long finish.

It is bottled at 90 proof (45% alcohol by volume).

Final Thoughts

Bourbon is a whiskey traditionally made in the USA, although several brands are produced outside of the country.

The flavor of Bourbon is distinct from other types of whiskey, and many people enjoy drinking it compared to other spirits and liquors.

The biggest difference between Bourbon and other types of whiskey is the process by which it is produced.

Bourbon must be distilled at no higher than 160 proof, put into new oak barrels at 125 proof or lower, and aged for 2 or more years to meet the standards set by the United States government for being classified as a true bourbon whiskey.