Whiskeys to Watch: The Top 5 Most Anticipated Limited Edition Whiskeys of 2024

Gather around, whiskey enthusiasts! It’s that time of the year again when we dive into the most anticipated limited-edition whiskeys of the year. Missed last year's most anticipated whiskey list? Why not read our 2023 guide on hyped whiskeys. While limited edition releases are a connoisseur's dream and nightmare (if you miss out on adding them to your collection), every bottle acquired holds the promise of a transcendent experience... You just need to be in the right place at the right time to catch it! So, what are the most hyped bourbons of 2024 and which whiskeys will become the most sought-after of 2024? Read on as we look at the top 5 (plus 2 bonus) most anticipated limited-edition whiskeys of 2024! 

1.Weller Millenium Blended Whiskey

• Origin: United States (Kentucky)
• Distilled by: Buffalo Trace
• Age: Blend of 18-24 year old whiskeys
• ABV: 49.5% (99-Proof)

Release Frequency: One-off 

Weller Millenium is the latest one-off limited edition release from Buffalo Trace Distillery and is the second hyper-exclusive release to emerge under the Weller banner. The follow-up to Daniel Weller 1794 Emmer Wheat, Weller Millenium is a blend of Straight Whiskeys comprised of some of the finest expressions at BT. The marriage features 3% 24 year old whiskey distilled in 2000, 50% 21 year old whiskey distilled in 2003, 40% 19 year old whiskey distilled in 2005 and 7% 18 year old whiskey distilled in 2006. With some of the oldest distillates released by Buffalo Trace, Weller Millenium is fittingly named and is sure to become one of the most collectible blended whiskeys ever released by BT.  

2.Booker's The Reserves

• Origin: United States (Kentucky)
• Distilled by: Beam Distillery
• Age: 8 Years, 2 months, 12 days
• ABV: 63.9% or 127.8-Proof 

Release Frequency: One-off

Booker's “The Reserves” 2024 Limited Edition is an 8 year, 2 month and 12 day old Kentucky Straight Bourbon whiskey hand-selected by Freddie Noe himself. This particular batch, bottled uncut and unfiltered, is named after the finest and rarest “Reserves” in Booker’s stores, meaning it’s composed of the best bourbon whiskeys Beam has to offer. With its high proof and robust character, Booker’s Reserves 2024 Bourbon will be a whiskey to be savored slowly, allowing the rich flavors of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak to unfold with each sip.

3.Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon

• Origin: United States (Kentucky)
• Distilled by: Heaven Hill Distillery
• ABV: 60.5% (121-Proof)
• Age: 7 Years (Distilled 2017, Bottled 2024)

Release Frequency: One-off

One for the wheaters… Heaven Hill’s Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon Whiskey could be the whiskey of the year when it comes to drinkability. Bottled at a punchy 121-proof, and composed of a 35% wheat (wow), 52% corn and 13% malt mash bill, the ‘Grain to Glass’ limited edition takes on the likes of Weller and Heaven Hill’s own Larceny with almost double the wheat of the latter, which will increase its ease-of-drinking tenfold. Combining farming tradition and distilling innovation, ‘Grain to Glass’ is explicit in its tribute to Heaven Hill’s heritage, and even goes so far as to outline the corn seed varietal used in the process, Beck’s 6158 in case you were wondering…

4.Old Fashioned Copper 1996

• Origin: United States (Kentucky)
• Distilled by: Buffalo Trace Distillery
• ABV: 45% (90-Proof)
• Age: 28 years

Release Frequency: One-off

It’s not every day you see a new Old Fashioned Copper Release, and this 1996 distilled 28 year old bourbon whiskey, bottled at 90-proof, is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive, limited releases of 2024 with just 63 bottles available worldwide. Distilled in the same year that Bill Clinton was re-elected, Charles and Diana were married and Motorola’s first flip phone was released, this bourbon whiskey is from a bygone era and its quality speaks for itself. 28 long years in the barrel makes this a serious, serious vintage whiskey, and if collecting is your game, this isn’t one to miss…

5.Jack Daniel’s 14 Year Old

• Origin: Tennessee (USA)
• Distilled by: Jack Daniel’s
• ABV: 62.5% (125-Proof)
• Age: 14 Years

Release Frequency: Annual

The oldest age-stated Jack Daniel’s, a title previously held by Jack Daniel’s 12 Year Old, the 2024 Limited Release Jack Daniel’s 14 Year Old is a 125-Proof Tennessee Whiskey that is one of the most exciting releases of the year. Given the quality of its younger predecessors and the fanfare that these bottles received, the Jack Daniel’s 14 has some serious hype around it. The only thing left to do now is to live up to its expectations and take the JD age-stated line to new heights.

Bonus:

6.Wild Turkey 70th Anniversary Bourbon

• Origin: Kentucky (USA)
• Distilled by: Wild Turkey
• ABV: 50.5% (101-Proof)
• Age: 8 Years

Release Frequency: One-off

No stranger to exceptional limited edition releases, Wild Turkey’s 2024 limited edition offering comes in the shape of the Wild Turkey 70th Anniversary 8 Year Old Bourbon, a fitting tribute to the legendary Jimmy Russell. While an 8-year old, 101-Proof bourbon whiskey is nothing new for Wild Turkey, the fact that this bourbon whiskey celebrates such a significant milestone means it has to be an exceptional release, and with rumours circulating that it includes rare Russell’s Reserve stores alongside some of the finest Wild Turkey whiskeys, the WT 70th Anniversary release has some serious backing in whiskey circles.

7.Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection 20 Wheated Blend Finished in Madeira Casks

• Origin: Kentucky (USA)
• Distilled by: Woodford Reserve
• ABV: 45.2% (90.4-Proof)
• Age: NAS

Release Frequency: One-off

Non-age stated, bottled at 90.4-proof, you’d be forgiven for expecting something a little bit different from Woodford Reserve’s 20th Master’s Collection iteration, but the mashbill and finishing of this blended whiskey add layers of complexity that we just can’t resist getting excited over. For one, the introduction of wheated whiskey in the marriage means the drinkability of this blend is sure to be through the roof, while the Madeira cask finishing brings depth and sweetness to the already smooth wheated profile. My mouth is watering just writing about it… 

So there you have it, a little deep-dive into the most collectible whiskeys of 2024. The world of limited-edition whiskeys indeed offers a tantalizing glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship of premium spirits, and it can be a double-edged sword if you’re not lucky enough to get a hold of the bourbon you’ve coveted. But hopefully, this list has given you a little bit of inspiration and insight into the bottles you should be looking out for this year, I know I’ll be trying to get my hands on as many of the whiskeys on this list as possible! Cheers to the thrill of the hunt and the joy of savoring the extraordinary when it comes to limited-edition whiskeys in 2024!