If you have the money to spend, let us show you the bottles to buy.
Although 2020 was marked by unprecedented challenges, there is at least one segment of the economy that shows no signs of slowing: luxury liquor. It shouldn’t come as a surprise. According to a recent study by IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, “status spirits”—that is, bottles that retail at $100 and up—are historically resilient in the face of broader financial uncertainty. All this is to say we’ve seen no shortage of high-end releases over the past 12 months. Of course, just because something costs a pretty penny doesn’t mean it’s worth the same.2020 was also rife with overpriced stinkers. We’re not going to name names. We’re just here to steer you to the good stuff; if you’ve got the money to spend, we’ve got the bottles for you to buy—as gifts or maybe even as a super special treat to yourself. You deserve it after a year like this. And if you’re working with a more modest budget, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered there, as well. This full-flavored barrel-proof offering is actually three separate releases. The trio of batches was assembled by Master Taster Jackie Zykan to commemorate the brand’s century-and-a-half mark earlier this autumn. The first is described as a “fruit bomb”, the second is darker and drier, and the third benefits from notes of brown sugar and peppercorn spice. It was initially intended to sell for $150 a bottle. But as with most of the entries on this list, there exists a wide gap between the suggested retail price and what it currently commands on shelves. Widow Jane — The Vaults 2020 ($200) A followup to its 2019 debut, this one wears a 15 year age statement and even incorporates some Tennessee and Indiana-sourced bourbons with up to 17 years of maturity.
