Wondering which whiskies are most flipped, sold, or traded on the secondary market? We scoured a half-dozen private Facebook and MeWe groups to compile this list, averaging the various prices at which the bottles sold. To get a better understanding of how and why these bottles are so in-demand, check out our exclusive report that goes deep into the world black market bourbon.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 year old Bourbon (Lot B)
MSRP: $80
Secondary Market Price: $525
The poster child for whiskey flipping due to its rarity and high demand. The prevalence of counterfeits often requires multiple photos, showcasing fill level, laser code, and foil seals.
W. L. Weller 12 year old Bourbon
MSRP: $37
Secondary Market Price: $150
The potential margins on this bottle are generous and, given the scattered national allocation, people in some regions where it isn’t distributed will pay as much as $200.
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
MSRP: $60
Secondary Market Price: $120+
Depending on the date it was dumped from the barrel, as stated on the label, this whiskey’s prices can fluctuate immensely. People searching for specific dates to commemorate anniversaries or birthdates will pay $300 or more.
Old Fitzgerald 15 year old Bottled in Bond Bourbon
MSRP: $150 (Fall 2019 Release)
Secondary Market Price: $300
This decadent wheated sipper from Heaven Hill is its oldest release yet, contributing to high demand on the secondary market. Semi-annual releases create more opportunities to buy, but also seem to increase demand.
Baker’s 13 year old Bourbon
MSRP: $99
Secondary Market Price: $200
This single barrel was distributed via lottery in some control states and often unavailable in others, making it a current darling.
Michter’s 10 year old Single Barrel Bourbon
MSRP: $130 (2019 Release)
Secondary Market Price: $200
While Michter’s 20 year old bourbon can command north of $2,000, the 10 year is more prevalent and affordable.
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
MSRP: $100 (2019 Release)
Secondary Market Price: $350
Demand for this annual limited release has risen considerably, especially among collectors who want to complete a set.
Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute Bourbon
MSRP: $100
Secondary Market Price: $400
Regular Elmer T. Lee fetches about $150, but the limited availability of the special-edition tribute bottle has made the price soar.
Willett 6 year old Family Estate Bourbon
MSRP: $100 (2019 Release)
Secondary Market Price: $250
Demand for aged Willett ryes has reached a fever pitch and its bourbons aren’t far behind. Private barrels like “Annd It’s Gone” command triple this price.
Barrell 15 year old Cask Strength Bourbon
MSRP: $250
Secondary Market Price: $300
Partially sourced from MGP in Indiana, Barrell’s whiskeys are well-aged and well-curated, as their high scores in the Whisky Advocate Buying Guide show.
William Larue Weller Bourbon
MSRP: $99 (2019 Release)
Secondary Market Price: $725
Consistently high-scoring and limited, this is the current star of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, all of which fetch high prices on the secondary market.
Hibiki 17 year old Japanese Whisky
MSRP: $150
Secondary Market Price: $450
Second only to bourbon, Japanese whiskies, especially those bearing age statements, are also compelling targets for flippers.
