16-Year-Old A.H. Hirsch
Hirsch Distillers

The only matter of debate around the 16-year-old A.H. Hirsch (US$3,000; +18187615373) is whether it'€™s the greatest bourbon ever or merely world-class. The silky-smooth, oaky spirit was distilled in 1974 via copper pot stills at the now-defunct Michter'€™s Distillery in Pennsylvania. It'€™s almost extinct except on the secondary market, so if you find a bottle, get it.

50-Year Old Bowmore
Bowmore

The last 200 bottles of 50-year-old Bowmore ($27,000) are hitting the market this year. Distilled in December 1961, it'€™s a smoky single-malt Scotch that'€™s been maturing for more than half a century in hogshead casks on the shores of Loch Indaal, inside Islay'€™s oldest distillery.

20-Year-Old Yoichi
Nikka Whisky Distilling Co. Ltd.

If you want the peaty quality of Scotch without the bourbon burn, the 20-year-old Yoichi (US$1,200; dekanta.com) is the most treasured whisky in the vaults of Nikka, founded in 1934 by the father of Japanese whisky, Masataka Taketsuru. Its synthesis of single malts gives off a rich, malty flavor, while its delicate finish has notes of caramel and campfire.

Yamazaki Sherry Cask
Yamazaki Distillery

Instead of charred white oak, the Yamazaki Sherry Cask ($300; +12126747500) has been aged in Spanish sherry casks, including rare strains 25 years old, giving it the taste of spicy sun-dried tomatoes. Jim Murray'€™s Whisky Bible named the 2013 version as 2015'€™s best, so expect high demand; only 5,000 bottles will be released. +Christopher Ross, Bloomberg

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