Bourbon lovers know that the thrill of the hunt is half the fun. But let’s be real—chasing bottles like Pappy Van Winkle or George T. Stagg can feel like an exercise in futility. Unless you have deep connections or incredible luck, some of the most hyped limited editions are nearly impossible to find.
Luckily, there are fantastic limited-edition bourbons out there that don’t require a miracle to land. Here are some bottles worth the chase—without the soul-crushing disappointment of allocation madness.
1. Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series
Every year, Maker’s Mark releases special limited-edition bourbons featuring unique stave finishes. These bottles, like the FAE-02 or BEP, add new dimensions to the classic Maker’s profile, bringing out deeper caramel, spice, or toasted oak notes. They hit shelves in decent numbers, meaning you actually stand a chance at finding one.
2. Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Series
Wild Turkey’s Master’s Keep releases, such as Unforgotten or Bottled in Bond, bring some of the best qualities of well-aged Turkey to the table. With rich complexity, refined spice, and deep oak influence, these bourbons are easier to find than the Russell’s Reserve 13 but still offer top-tier quality.
3. Old Ezra 7-Year Barrel Strength
While not the rarest bourbon out there, Old Ezra 7 is a fantastic barrel-strength bourbon with bold spice, caramel, and oak flavors. It’s widely available compared to some of the unicorn bottles and punches way above its price point.
4. Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch
Four Roses’ annual Limited Edition Small Batch is a great way to experience their different mash bills and aging techniques. While it’s still sought after, you’ll have better luck finding this than a bottle of BTAC or Pappy.
5. Barrell Craft Spirits Bourbon Batches
Barrell Craft Spirits releases small batch, high-proof blends that are consistently outstanding. While each batch is different, they often feature a mix of well-aged bourbons with deep fruit, spice, and oak character. Best of all, they don’t require the same fight as some of the more famous allocated bourbons.
6. New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon
New Riff has been making waves in the bourbon world, and their Single Barrel releases are some of the best-kept secrets. Uncut, unfiltered, and full of spice and dark fruit notes, these bottles are worth tracking down—and they’re way easier to find than some of the more famous barrel-proof bourbons.
7. Joseph Magnus Bourbon
Joseph Magnus Bourbon, especially the triple-cask finished version, is a hidden gem in the limited-edition world. Finished in a mix of sherry, cognac, and port casks, it offers a unique and layered profile without the frustrating allocation chase.
8. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
Okay, this one isn’t a “limited edition” in the traditional sense, but it’s often mistaken for one because of its rich, complex character. At 115 proof, it delivers bold dark fruit, chocolate, and spice notes, making it an excellent alternative to some of the harder-to-find limited releases.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to enter a lottery or befriend a liquor store owner to find great bourbon. These bottles prove that you can still enjoy high-quality, limited-edition whiskey without the headache of extreme allocation. So skip the hype-chasing and grab one of these—you won’t regret it.
Bourbon enthusiasts often find joy in the search for rare bottles, but it can be frustrating when the most sought-after ones are nearly impossible to find. Thankfully, there are excellent limited-edition bourbons that are more accessible, like Maker’s Mark’s FAE-02 or Wild Turkey’s Master’s Keep. These bottles offer unique flavors and complexity without the stress of allocation madness. Old Ezra 7 and Four Roses’ Limited Edition Small Batch are also great options for those looking for quality without the hassle.