Stop Wasting Your Time on Rare Whiskey and Drink These Instead

The world of whiskey has gone fairly crazy in recent years. For many of the most desirable expressions, prices have skyrocketed, and formerly accessible bottles have become increasingly hard to find.

The term ‘cult whiskey’ is even steeped in confusion. 

“I have a weird take on the term ‘cult whisky,’” says Frank Caiafa, former head bartender of Peacock Alley at The Waldorf-Astoria, author of The Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book, and currently the Spirits Portfolio Director at Banville Wine Merchants. “If you can get your hands on it, how ‘cult’ can it be? My thinking is that an item’s lack of availability is what ultimately makes it reach cult status, but all of these wish-list items had to start somewhere.”

Fortunately, there are plenty of whiskeys that are very much of cult quality that can actually be found through normal in-person or online shopping means, as opposed to getting involved in the often confusing and risky world of the secondary market.

The annual release of the Wild Turkey Master’s Keep is a great example. The newest expression, called Triumph, represents the oldest age-statement rye in the venerated portfolio and can be found at or near its suggested retail price of $275. 

Westward, the American Single Malt specialist in Portland, Oregon, offers a club that gains members access to special releases, like the excellent Single Barrel Vintner’s Cuvée. 

Stranahan’s takes a different path for their annual Snowflake release. This much-clamored-for whiskey is only available at the Denver distillery before it inevitably hits the secondary market, but the team there turns the usually desultory waiting-in-line experience into an event with games, live music, whiskey classes, and food trucks. 

And, the 2XO Gem of Kentucky, a single-barrel-bourbon standout, is readily available online and at stores throughout the country.

There are clearly options for finding cult favorites at reasonable prices. In addition to those mentioned, we reached out to bartenders and drinks professionals around the country for their top selections.

The best cult whiskey you can still find

Angel's Envy Bourbon

“We use Angel’s Envy bourbon in a featured cocktail at The Trading Post Bar. Paired with simple syrup and rose sage bitters, the vibrant flavors of maple syrup and vanilla create an easy-drinking, well-balanced cocktail. Consumers can easily find Angel’s Envy at their local [store] for around $40.” — David Thurgood, director of food and beverage, The Trading Post, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, La Jolla, California

Barrell Craft Spirits ‘Gray Label’ Bourbon

“Gray Label bourbons are beautiful examples of what proper blending can result in — rich, deep, and complex whiskeys that highlight the different distilleries they were sourced from. Better yet, consumers can purchase a bottle for themselves at Total Wine for $250.” — Juan Sanchez, beverage director at Bing’s Bar, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Santa Fe, California

Ben Holladay 6 Year Bottled in Bond Straight Missouri Bourbon 

“You can’t go wrong with any of the expressions from this off-the-beaten-path, resurrected distillery.” — Frank Caiafa, former head bartender, Peacock Alley at The Waldorf-Astoria, author of “The Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book,” and spirits portfolio director at Banville Wine Merchants

Booker’s Bourbon

“Booker's is a rare barrel-strength bourbon that is a bit more under-the-radar, with a sweet heat and high proof that isn't for the faint of heart.” — Richie Tray, head bartender, The Library Bar in The Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia

Buffalo Trace Bourbon

“Buffalo Trace is a sweeter bourbon of good quality that's not too aggressive for whiskey lovers.” — R.T.

Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon

“It comes off as a boutiquey spirit, but it’s actually accessible, unlike a lot of new products which seem to cultivate an exclusive identity without merit. Elijah Craig is 94 proof and offers a nice balance of vanilla and spice notes, making it ideal for sipping, but also holds up well in a cocktail like an Old Fashioned or even a Manhattan. It’s a quality product and experience at an accessible price ($30), and available in most liquor stores.” — Mike Lam, head bartender, The Bar Downstairs & Kitchen, Andaz 5th Avenue, New York City

Hakata Twelve Year Old Japanese Whisky

“Hakata is a 100% barley-based whisky that is partially koji fermented. [It’s] savory, sherry cask aged, [and] with age statements. The ten year is a fine entry, the 16 and 18 [are] exemplary.” — F.C.

High West’s A Midwinter Night’s Dram

“[This] is a unique blend of straight rye whiskeys that stands out in a crowded whiskey market. It offers a unique complexity and depth of flavor that makes it perfect for sipping neat, but versatile enough to be enjoyed in a classic cocktail like a Manhattan. Its rich and nuanced flavor profile offers an ideal sipping experience. I highly recommend getting a bottle if you can.” — Kevin Ryan, bartender, Antique Bar and Bakery, Hoboken, New Jersey

J. Rieger Monogram Whiskey

“Another resurrected Missouri distillery, this one producing a unique solera-style, blended whiskey that evolves each year. Their fine bourbon and rye may be a bit easier to come by.” — F.C.

Lochlea Distillery Our Barley Single Malt Scotch Whisky

“This independent and family-owned distillery produces all of their own barley, and the great John Campbell is the head distiller. Whatever expression you come across, buy.” — F.C. 

Suntory Hibiki Japanese Harmony

“[This readily available whisky] is aged in five different casks and offers an excellent blend of flavors, especially with just a splash of water.” — K.R.