Finding Allocated and Rare Bourbons.

How to Start Your Bourbon Collection: Finding Allocated and Rare Bourbons

For whiskey enthusiasts, starting a bourbon collection is not just a hobby—it’s a passion. Bourbon has become one of the most popular spirits in the world, with certain bottles, particularly allocated bourbons and rare bourbons, being highly sought after by collectors. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of starting a bourbon collection, finding those coveted allocated bottles, and where you can purchase them.Finding Allocated and Rare Bourbons.

What Is Bourbon Collection and Why It’s Popular

A bourbon collection can range from a few favorite bottles to a curated assortment of rare and valuable finds. Many bourbon enthusiasts enjoy collecting for the following reasons:

Enjoyment: Bourbon collectors often enjoy the experience of tasting and comparing different bourbons, exploring new flavors, and discovering hidden gems.
Investment: Some rare bourbons increase in value over time, making them a worthwhile investment for serious collectors.
Prestige: Owning certain bottles, particularly limited-edition or allocated bourbons, can earn collectors recognition within the bourbon community.

Understanding Allocated Bourbon

Before diving into your bourbon collection, it’s essential to understand the concept of allocated bourbon. Simply put, allocated bourbons are limited in supply and distributed to select retailers, making them difficult to find. Because they are rare, these bottles often carry a sense of prestige and are highly coveted by both collectors and drinkers alike.

Some popular allocated bourbon brands include:

Pappy Van Winkle
Blanton’s Single Barrel
W.L. Weller
Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

These brands are known for their exquisite taste, long aging process, and limited releases, which makes them prime targets for collectors.

How to Find Allocated Bourbon

Finding allocated bourbon can be challenging, especially for newcomers. Here are some effective strategies to help you get started:

Sign Up for Store Alerts: Many liquor stores have mailing lists or notification systems for their most loyal customers. Signing up for these lists can give you a heads-up when rare bourbons become available.
Frequent Specialty Shops: High-end liquor stores or those that specialize in whiskey often receive allocations. Build a relationship with the store staff, and they might reserve bottles for you.
Attend Bourbon Events and Festivals: Bourbon tastings, festivals, and industry events are great places to find allocated bottles. Some distilleries may even offer direct sales at these events.
Online Bourbon Retailers: While it can be tough to find allocated bourbon online, some sites do offer these rare bottles. Be prepared to pay a premium, as prices are often marked up due to demand.
Enter Raffles or Lotteries: Some states and liquor stores run raffles or lotteries for high-demand bottles of bourbon. These are usually a fair way to distribute the limited stock.

Where to Buy Allocated Bourbon

While allocated bourbons can be elusive, there are a few tried-and-true places where you might strike gold. Here’s where you can look:

Local Liquor Stores: Start with your local liquor stores. Many receive small allocations of rare bourbons, and building a relationship with the owner can give you an edge.
Online Marketplaces: Websites like Caskers, Drizly, and even auction platforms may offer allocated bottles for sale. However, beware of high markups.
Bourbon Clubs: Some bourbon clubs and subscription services offer rare bourbon bottles as part of their membership. It’s a great way to secure hard-to-find bourbons.
Bourbon Events: Distilleries and liquor retailers often bring rare or allocated bottles to festivals or release events, offering attendees the chance to purchase them directly.Finding Allocated and Rare Bourbons.

Building a Bourbon Collection: Essential Tips

Once you’ve secured a few allocated bourbons or other notable bottles, it’s time to start thinking about how to organize and expand your bourbon collection. Here’s a guide to help you become a successful bourbon collector:

Start with What You Like: While rare bottles are exciting, your collection should reflect your personal tastes. Don’t overlook less rare bourbons that you enjoy drinking regularly.
Storage: Bourbon should be stored upright in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. If you plan to hold onto bottles for an extended period, make sure your storage conditions are optimal to preserve flavor.
Research Before You Buy: For serious collectors, it’s essential to research potential purchases. Look into the distillery, the mash bill, and the aging process to determine the value of the bottle.
Join Bourbon Communities: Engaging with bourbon communities on platforms like Reddit, Facebook groups, or dedicated forums can help you stay updated on releases, events, and where to buy rare bottles.
Track Your Collection: Keep a log of what you own. Apps and spreadsheets can be helpful tools to track bottle details like purchase date, price, and tasting notes.Finding Allocated and Rare Bourbons.

How Rare Bourbons Add Value to Your Collection

Rare bourbons, especially allocated bourbon, often add significant value to your collection, whether you’re in it for the love of whiskey or the investment potential. Over time, some bottles can dramatically increase in value due to their scarcity. However, collecting should be a passion first—don’t buy just to sell. Enjoy your collection and the experience it offers.

Conclusion: Chasing Allocated Bourbon for Your Collection

Building a bourbon collection is a rewarding journey, especially when you manage to secure rare or allocated bottles. While finding allocated bourbons can sometimes feel like hunting for treasure, the effort is worth it when you finally add that elusive bottle to your shelf. With a little persistence and the right strategies, you’ll be well on your way to creating a collection any bourbon lover would envy.

FAQs About Allocated Bourbon

1. What is allocated bourbon?
Allocated bourbon refers to bottles that are produced in limited quantities and distributed selectively, often making them difficult to find.

2. How do I know if a bourbon is allocated?
Generally, if a bourbon is only available at specific times of the year or in small quantities, it’s likely an allocated bourbon.

3. Can I find allocated bourbon online?
Yes, some online retailers and auction sites offer allocated bourbons, though they may come at a higher price.

4. What’s the best way to start a bourbon collection?
Start with bourbons you enjoy drinking, and gradually build your collection by seeking out rare and allocated bottles from reputable distilleries.

5. Is collecting bourbon a good investment?
While some rare bourbons increase in value over time, it’s best to collect for enjoyment first. The investment potential is a bonus for serious collectors.