Bourbon is one of the most popular spirits around the world. Its unique flavor and aroma make it a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts. However, some bourbons are harder to find than others. For example, Blanton's, Weller, and special releases are often in high demand and can be difficult to locate. But fear not, we’ve put together some tips on how to hunt down elusive bottles.

1. Know the Release Schedule

Often distilleries release their rarest and most sought-after bourbons during specific times of the year. High West, for example, releases its popular Midwinter's Night Dram once a year in early winter. Knowing when the distilleries release their special releases can give you an upper hand in securing a bottle.

2. Follow Social Media Pages

Many liquor stores and whiskey groups update their social media pages when they receive a rare or limited bourbon shipment. Following these pages and groups can give you insider knowledge on special releases and when stores will receive their shipments. Additionally, some distilleries will post updates on social media when their latest release is available. Make sure to follow any distillery or liquor store social media pages that are local to you or in cities where you frequently visit.

3. Join a Bourbon Enthusiast Club

Bourbon enthusiast clubs, like the Bourbon Society, will often have access to special allocations, exclusive releases, and offer tastings. These clubs are a great way to stay up-to-date on special bourbon releases and find those elusive bottles.

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4. Shop at Multiple Stores

If you are on the hunt for a specific bottle, don’t limit yourself to only one store. Shop around and visit multiple stores so you don’t miss an opportunity to grab what you’re searching for. Additionally, if you get to know the store’s employees and become a regular customer, they will often tell you when new shipments arrive and save bottles for you.

5. Attend Bourbon Lotteries

Bourbon Lotteries and events are another great way to track down hard-to-find bourbons. Distilleries will often save their special releases and allocated whiskeys for a lottery-type giveaway. These lotteries are structured differently depending on the store and are most often scheduled near or around the holidays. Ask your local liquor store if you can get on their email list so you don't miss out.  Attending these events can also allow you to network with other bourbon enthusiasts and learn about upcoming releases.

6. (Don't) Check Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces like eBay or Facebook Marketplace can be a great place to get scammed.  If a deal looks too good to be true, it most likely is. Stay away from buying on sites like these and be weary of buying hard-to-find bourbons online in general. Even if you do find a bottle on a verified site, the price is likely to be marked up above MSRP and sometimes even above secondary value.

7. Build Relationships

Building relationships with bartenders or the staff at liquor stores is an often-overlooked approach to finding rare bottles. Bartenders are often the first people to receive and try out new releases, and they can often suggest the best bourbons to try. Staff at liquor stores can also give you a heads-up when new shipments arrive or offer suggestions on similar bourbons to try if the one you’re searching for is out of stock.

8. Be Willing To Travel

If you’re serious about finding a hard-to-track-down bourbon, you may have to travel to another city or state to get it. For example, Pappy Van Winkle releases its annual line of rare bourbon in November to specific markets across the country. If you can’t find it locally, you may need to consider making a trip to another state to try and secure it.

Hunting down elusive bottles and special releases takes patience, perseverance, and a little bit of strategy. Knowing when releases are scheduled, following social media pages, joining a bourbon enthusiast club, shopping at multiple stores, attending bourbon lotteries, building relationships with bartenders and store staff, and being willing to travel can all be effective tactics for getting your hands-on a bottle of your favorite bourbon. Remember to enjoy the hunt, and savor the experience of enjoying a rare and delicious bottle of bourbon.