Buy Rare Bourbons Apr 2026

The most reliable way to score a "unicorn" bottle like Pappy Van Winkle or the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is to become a store’s best customer.

: Get to know the staff by name. Ask about their families or interests—investing in their lives can lead to them setting aside a special bottle when it arrives. The "Unlikely Places" Strategy buy rare bourbons

: Liquor stores in less-frequented or higher-crime areas may have rare bottles collecting dust in the back simply because their local clientele isn't looking for $100+ bourbon. The most reliable way to score a "unicorn"

: Smaller markets often get a fair share of allocations to keep regional retailers happy. A drive to a rural town might yield a bottle that sold out in the city weeks ago. Online and Digital Sourcing The "Unlikely Places" Strategy : Liquor stores in

Buying rare bourbon—often called "allocated" bourbon—is more of a marathon than a sprint. Since these bottles are produced in limited quantities and distributed strategically, finding them at retail price requires a mix of loyalty, strategy, and sometimes a bit of adventure.