Hackstons acquires rare collection of Unicorn whiskies from Van Winkle, Weller and Buffalo Trace

Drinks retailer Hackstons has acquired a collection of exceptionally rare American whiskies, bringing together some of the most elusive bourbons and rye whiskeys currently circulating within the global secondary spirits market.

The Knightsbridge-based specialist described the acquisition as a “once in a lifetime” grouping of so-called unicorn bottles, with the line-up featuring highly allocated expressions from the Van Winkle, Weller and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection portfolios. 

Many of the releases included have become near-mythical among collectors, not simply because of age or rarity, but because demand has consistently outstripped supply for years.

American whiskey has steadily evolved from enthusiast category to serious collector market over the past decade, with certain Kentucky bourbons now commanding prices once associated primarily with mature Scotch. 

Strict distribution allocations, low production volumes and intense international demand have helped elevate bottles such as Pappy Van Winkle into the realm of luxury collectibles.

American whiskey has steadily evolved from enthusiast category to serious collector market over the past decade…

Rare Van Winkle heads Hackstons collection

Among the most sought-after additions is Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old, priced at £2,400. Widely regarded as the pinnacle of the Van Winkle range, the bourbon is matured for more than two decades, with barrels selected carefully to avoid excessive oak influence. Deep notes of leather, tobacco and dried fruit have helped establish its reputation as one of the most coveted bottles in American whiskey.

Hackstons has also secured Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old, offered at £1,100. Long regarded as one of the benchmark ultra-aged wheated bourbons, it combines mature oak character with a softer, sweeter profile developed through extended ageing.

A slightly younger but equally respected expression, Pappy Van Winkle 12 Year Old Lot B, arrives with a price of £450. Often considered the most approachable whiskey within the Van Winkle family, it has built a loyal following for balancing richness and drinkability without overwhelming oak intensity.

The rarer rye component of the Van Winkle range is represented by Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old, priced at £800. Produced in extremely limited quantities, it remains one of the more elusive bottles for American whiskey collectors to secure.

The acquisition also includes several high-profile expressions from the W.L. Weller portfolio, another label closely associated with wheated bourbon production. William Larue Weller, bottled at barrel proof and priced at £850, is frequently cited in industry awards and enthusiast rankings as one of the finest bourbons currently produced.

Meanwhile, Weller Full Proof, available at £210, retains its original barrel entry proof for a more intense presentation of the distillery’s wheated mashbill. W.L. Weller C.Y.P.B., also £210, takes a slightly different approach, having been developed around consumer preferences through Buffalo Trace’s “Craft Your Perfect Bourbon” initiative.

Rye whiskey enthusiasts are represented by Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye, priced at £420. Released uncut and unfiltered as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, it has earned a reputation for power, spice and complexity.

Rounding out the line-up is Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old at £350, a higher-proof expression bottled at 107 proof that offers a more vibrant and robust interpretation of the Van Winkle style.

Hackstons founder Alphie Valentine said the collection reflected the growing overlap between luxury spirits and alternative assets.

“These are not just exceptional whiskies, they are benchmarks of rarity, reputation and value,” he said. “Bringing together bottles of this calibre under one roof reflects our commitment to offering clients access to the very highest tier of the global spirits market, where craftsmanship meets collectability.”

The retailer says availability will be extremely limited, with bottles offered through its Knightsbridge flagship operation and private client services.