Aged in a warehouse built by Taylor in 1881 and put in a barrel in early 2012, this limited release is sweet (almost marzipan), raisin and honeyed with hints of tobacco and rye on the finish. How to get: The bottles for this particular one-off are earmarked for Chris Stapleton’s charity, Outlaw State of Kind, so we suggest you follow them (and donate, of course).
Aged 15-17 years and finished in rare casks raised from five-year air-seasoned Appalachian oak, this spicy 99 proof release represents a blend of the oldest and rarest liquids from the stocks of this Brookyn distillery. Notes of hickory, menthol and earl grey tea are present; the oak and a bit of cherry abound in a very dry finish. How to get: Good news, Flaviar has a few bottles for $250
Irish whiskey is usually an approachable gateway whiskey. Not here. Triple distilled from malted barley, dried over peat fires and matured in both bourbon and sauternes French wine casks, Blackpitts is a deceptively light-colored tipple that brings together a fruitiness, butterscotch and smoke. It’s like a campfire dessert. How to get: Admittedly more rare as a concept (peated Irish single malt) than rare in quantity, you can find this one on ReserveBar for $86.
Commemorating the retirement of Ardbeg Distillery Manager (and one-time Distillery Manager of the Year) Mickey Heads, Ardbeg’s new limited-edition release is wholly matured in ex-rye casks. This is a smoke monster to start, but gives way to some fruit, toffee and the rye spice. Surprisingly lovely, as a tribute should be. How to get: You have to be part of the Ardbeg Committee, which is thankfully free to join.
The Speyside distillery just released its 50th and final bottle of this 50-year-old single malt. Decanter #50 was crafted in collaboration with Hamilton & Inches and decorated with 22 carat Scottish gold from Scotland’s only gold mine. As with the other 49 bottles, this whisky was matured in sherry and bourbon oak casks. For celebrating 50, this is a boldly flavorful and fruity release, with notes of cloves, vanilla and cedar present. How to get: Sadly, this particular bottle was just auctioned off last week for charity, but ReserveBar has one of the others for $35,000.