The Secondary Bourbon Market

The Secondary Bourbon Market

The secondary bourbon market refers to the buying and selling of bourbon that has already been released and purchased by consumers. This market has grown significantly in recent years, as more and more people have become interested in collecting rare and hard-to-find bottles of bourbon.

One of the main drivers of the secondary bourbon market is the limited availability of certain bottles. Many distilleries release limited edition or small batch bourbons that are only available for a short period of time, making them highly sought after by collectors. These bottles often fetch a premium price on the secondary market, as they are considered rare and unique.

Another factor that contributes to the growth of the secondary bourbon market is the aging process of bourbon. As bourbon ages, it can change and develop in flavor, making older bottles more desirable to some collectors. These aged bottles can also fetch a higher price on the secondary market.

There are several bottles that are highly sought after on the secondary bourbon market. Here are a few examples:

• Pappy Van Winkle: This bourbon is produced by the Van Winkle family and is considered one of the most sought-after bottles on the market. It is made from a mash bill of wheat, corn and barley and aged for 15, 20 and 23 years. The bottles are released in limited quantities each year and can fetch thousands of dollars on the secondary market.
• George T. Stagg: This bourbon is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and is known for its high alcohol content and bold flavor. It is aged for around 15 years and is released in limited quantities each year. Bottles can fetch hundreds of dollars on the secondary market.
• William Larue Weller: This bourbon is also part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and is known for its rich and complex flavor profile. It is aged for around 12 years and is also released in limited quantities each year. Bottles can fetch hundreds of dollars on the secondary market.
• Old Rip Van Winkle: This bourbon is produced by the Van Winkle family and aged for 10 years. It is also a limited release and can fetch a premium price on the secondary market.

It’s important to note that not all bottles on the secondary market are considered rare or valuable, and prices can vary greatly depending on the bottle and its condition. It’s always a good idea to do your research and consult with experts before making any purchases on the secondary market.

As the bourbon market continues to grow, it’s likely that we will see an increase in the number of bottles available on the secondary market. Some of the bottles that are considered rare and highly sought after today may become more widely available in the future. However, there will always be new limited edition and small batch releases that will capture the attention and wallets of collectors and enthusiasts.