The term “rare” is often overused in the whisky world, with “limited releases” stretching into tens of thousands of bottles. But true rarity—the kind that makes a whisky genuinely special to open and enjoy—is an entirely different story.
The whiskies featured in this list are among the finest ever bottled. Some are already scarce, while others redefine what rarity should mean. These are not just collector’s items; they are exquisite drams that deserve to be savored. If you’re looking for truly special whisky in 2025, these are the bottles worth chasing.
Brora, Any Brora
Current Price: $4,375 (Brora 34 Year Old Special Release 2017)
Every Brora whisky I’ve had the chance to taste has been outstanding. From the old Connoisseurs Choice bottlings to Diageo’s legendary Special Releases, Brora has a unique character that whisky enthusiasts adore. Its style varied from peaty and coastal to more farmyard-like notes reminiscent of Springbank’s Local Barley releases.
With Brora’s recent revival, the big question remains: can it maintain the magic of its past? The distillery has retained much of its original equipment, but comparisons between old and new releases will be inevitable.
Glenury Royal 1971 23 Year Old Rare Malts Selection
Current Price: $3,125
Glenury Royal remains one of the hidden gems of Scotch whisky. This 1971 vintage, bottled in 1994 under the Rare Malts Selection, is a masterpiece of depth and complexity. It delivers layers of leather, tar, sherry, marmalade, herbal liqueurs, and fresh pine—all wrapped in an intense spiciness.
As one of only 36 releases under The Rare Malts banner, it is an exceptional piece of whisky history. If you’re lucky enough to find a bottle, it’s well worth the experience.
Bunnahabhain Moine Oloroso
Current Price: N/A (Auction availability)
Bunnahabhain is often overshadowed by Islay’s more famous peated whiskies, but this 2017 release is proof that it deserves a spot among the greats. Vatted from seven oloroso sherry casks, this whisky is a bold, cask-strength explosion of smoky bacon, sea salt, damsons, toffee, dark chocolate, and Christmas cake.
Originally priced at just £70, this whisky was absurdly underpriced for its quality. While no longer available at retail, auction sites occasionally offer a chance to snag this hidden treasure.
Balblair 1990 2nd Release
Current Price: N/A (Auction availability)
A 27-year-old Balblair for around £90? That kind of value is nearly unheard of today. This release, matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in oloroso sherry, is a tropical fruit bomb. Kiwi, cherry, pineapple, and Jamaican ginger cake dominate the nose and palate, making it an absolute joy to drink.
Though Balblair has undergone some branding changes, this vintage release still appears at auctions for reasonable prices. If you come across one, it’s an easy decision to add it to your collection.
Macallan 18 Year Old 2006-2017 Purple Box
Current Price: $1,494 (Macallan 1997 18 Year Old)
Once the gold standard for sherried whisky, Macallan 18 Year Old has become increasingly elusive. The older vintage releases, particularly those from the mid-90s to early 2000s, offer a level of richness and depth that many argue surpasses the modern editions. Vanilla, figs, dark chocolate, and cinnamon sugar create a perfectly balanced dram.
The iconic purple box and sleek packaging only add to its appeal. While newer Macallan 18 releases are still high quality, these older vintages are a true taste of what made Macallan legendary before prices skyrocketed.
The Final Word
Rare whisky isn’t just about collectibility—it’s about the experience of drinking something truly extraordinary. Whether it’s the complexity of Glenury Royal, the smoky richness of Bunnahabhain Moine Oloroso, or the legendary status of Macallan 18, each bottle on this list represents the pinnacle of Scotch whisky.
For those willing to hunt, the rewards are well worth it. Auctions remain a goldmine for finding these rare gems, and while prices continue to rise, there are still opportunities to secure a bottle of history.
If you’re looking for the best rare whisky in 2025, these are the bottles to seek out. Happy hunting!
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