Rare whiskies are growing rapidly in demand, not only as a dram to experience and savour, but also as a collectable or as an investment.

So, if you’re interested in experiencing, collecting, or investing in some rare drams, we’ve put together a list of must try whisky for connoisseurs; a selection of the hard-to-find, rare, and extremely rare whisky on the market for you to decide whether they’re worth sipping or saving.

What Makes Whisky Rare?

Some whiskies are rare because they are part of a limited-edition collectable set, or they are a single cask edition. Other whiskies are extremely old so there are very few still in circulation, or they come from a closed or mothballed distillery, so offer a rare and unique glimpse into a bygone age of whisky making.

Hard-to-Find Whisky

Hibiki 30-Year-Old – 43% ABV

Hibiki 30-Year-Old Blended Whisky is perhaps the jewel in the crown of the Suntory range. Crafted by Master Blender Shingo Torii, the grandson of founder Shinjiro Torii, it symbolises over a century of blending expertise. This subtle yet complex multi-award-winning ‘must try’ whisky is made from malt and grain whiskies from Suntory’s three distilleries, and matured in white oak, sherry, and mizunara oak casks. The bottle design is a work of art in itself, featuring 24 facets, representing the 24 seasons of the traditional Japanese lunar calendar.

On the nose, dark fruit, leather and honeycomb. On the palate, chocolate, dried fig and Seville oranges, leading to a fine, silky finish that’s both sweet and spicy.

Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix – 47.6% ABV

Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix Single Malt Whisky is a rare release, born from a snowy accident. After a severe snowstorm in 2010, the distillery’s warehouse roof collapsed, exposing the casks to the open air. The staff worked around the clock to save as many as they could. To commemorate the event, Glenfiddich’s Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, selected casks with ages from 13 to 30 years and married them together to create the Snow Phoenix expression. The result is a whisky with a rich and complex but smooth character. With only 1600 bottles ever released, it fast became a ‘must try’ whisky and a ‘must have’ collector’s item.

On the nose, creamy vanilla, apple and pear. On the palate, apples, honey and chocolate before a long pear and oak finish.

Rare Whisky

Rosebank 1988 Connoisseurs Choice – 40% ABV

Rosebank 1988 Connoisseurs Choice Single Malt Whisky hails from the original Rosebank Distillery in Falkirk, which closed in 1993. Distilled in the final years of Rosebank’s operation, this lowland whisky was triple distilled and matured for decades in traditional oak casks. The 1988 vintage, bottled in 1997, has a light and floral character and is one of the most sought-after whiskies among collectors. Although Rosebank Distillery re-opened in 2023, the character of the original whiskies can’t be replicated as they belong to a bygone era for Scotch craftsmanship and tradition. 

On the nose, clover, sweet grass and honey. On the palate, biscuit, honey-coated nuts and gentle spice followed by a medium finish of vanilla and oak.

Brora 1972 22-Year-Old Rare Malts – 61.1% ABV

Brora 1972 22-Year-Old Single Malt whisky is an iconic Highlands Scotch from the now-closed Brora Distillery, known for producing lightly peated whisky. This rare release, part of the Rare Malts Selection, showcases the rich, smoky flavours that made Brora famous. Having been distilled in 1972, which was known as Brora’s ‘miracle year’, it was then aged for over two decades in oak casks before being bottled at cask strength in 1995. It was awarded 97 points by whisky expert Serge Valentin, which helped it on its way to becoming one of the most coveted whiskies in the world.

On the nose, hay, peat and ginger. On the palate, fruit gums, orange and peppery peat leading to an extra-long finish with a faint hint of apricot.

Ladyburn 1973 27-Year-Old 50.4% ABV

Ladyburn 27-Year-Old Single Malt whisky, a cherished gem among Scotch whisky experts, is another one from Scotland’s lost distilleries. Crafted at the Ladyburn Distillery, which operated for only eight years from 1966 to 1975, it’s remarkably rare, with just 3000 bottles ever released. The Ladyburn 27, aged in bourbon casks and bottled at cask strength in 2000, showcases a delicate, refined character but is generally recommended as a collector’s item rather than a whisky destined for drinking. 

On the nose, light fruit and oak. On the palate, sweet peach and orange followed by a medium dry oak and pear finish.

Dalmore 1966 45-Year-Old Constellation Collection – 41.7% ABV

Dalmore 1966 45-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky, a shining star in the Constellation Collection, is a rare and prestigious Scotch. Distilled in 1966 at the Dalmore Distillery in the Scottish Highlands, it makes up one of only a limited number of natural cask strength releases from selected vintages between 1964 and 1992. The 1966 expression was aged for over four decades, firstly in American oak for 37 years, followed by a six-year maturation in sherry casks, and then finally two years in ex-bourbon casks. Presented in a hand-blown crystal decanter in an elegant, lacquered cabinet box.

On the nose, citrus, spice and cocoa. On the palate, notes of mandarin, caramel and Swiss chocolate before a long, sweet vanilla finish.

Highland Park 54 – 46.9% ABV

Highland Park 54 Single Malt whisky is an exceptionally rare expression from the renowned Orkney distillery, Highland Park. Distilled in 1964, it matured for 54 years, displaying the distillery’s commitment to time-honoured craftsmanship. Only 225 of this remarkable whisky were ever released, one for every year that Highland Park have been in operation, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item. With its distinctive flavour profile and exquisite presentation case cut from Scottish oak, it pays homage to Orkney’s unique terroir and the dedication of Highland Park’s distillers.

On the nose, lychees, oak and a slight hint of coriander. On the palate, faint rose, biscotti and kiwi fruit followed by a long delicate finish of heathery peat smoke.

Rarest Whisky

Macallan 26 Fine and Rare – 42.6% ABV

The Macallan Fine and Rare 1926 Single Malt whisky is an icon of the whisky world. Distilled at Macallan in Speyside, it gained worldwide acclaim when a bottle sold at auction in November 2023 for a staggering £2.2 million, breaking its own previous record to become the most expensive whisky ever sold. With 40 bottles ever produced from the iconic cask 263, this whisky has an ultra-limited supply. With its exquisite craftsmanship, Macallan 26 symbolises the pinnacle of collectible single malt Scotch. 

On the nose, dried raisins, dates and a hint of woody spice. On the palate, treacle, toffee and rich fruits with a long dry woody finish.

Rare Whisky – Collecting Tips

• Do your due diligence. Research the history, rarity, and value of potential acquisitions before making the purchase.
• Network with other collectors to stay informed about rare bottle releases and auctions.
• Buy from a reputable source, ensuring provenance and authenticity.
• Store your whisky correctly to preserve its condition. Keep it upright, away from sunlight, and tip it horizontally two to three times per year so that the liquid seeps into the cork, keeping it moist.

The world of rare whisky provides a fascinating journey through the history, craftsmanship, and passion of whisky making. But with only a finite amount of liquid ever made, these ‘must try’ whiskies become rarer to find and harder to purchase as the years go by.