Allocated Bourbon

Allocated bourbon is the rarest, most sought-after category of American whiskey — limited annual releases that distilleries ration to retailers in fixed allocations. Wooden Cork specializes in allocated bourbon: Pappy Van Winkle, the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (William Larue Weller, George T. Stagg, Eagle Rare 17, Sazerac 18, Thomas H. Handy), Blanton's Gold and Straight From The Barrel, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, Michter's, and EH Taylor. Delivered nationwide in 1–7 days.

What Is Allocated Bourbon?

Allocated bourbon refers to limited-release American whiskeys that distilleries produce in small annual quantities and distribute to retailers in fixed allocations. Because demand far exceeds supply, allocated bourbons are nearly impossible to find at retail price on store shelves — most are gone within hours of arrival.

The category includes the most coveted names in American whiskey: Pappy Van Winkle (15, 20, and 23 Year), the entire Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, Blanton's Gold and Straight From The Barrel, Eagle Rare 17 Year, William Larue Weller, George T. Stagg, Sazerac 18, Thomas H. Handy, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, Michter's 10 and 20 Year, and the Colonel E.H. Taylor lineup.

Wooden Cork's Allocated Bourbon Selection

Wooden Cork has built its reputation on access to allocated bourbon. Our buyers maintain direct relationships with distributors and distilleries, which means our catalog reflects what's actually moving through the secondary market — not what's been sitting on a shelf for years.

• Pappy Van Winkle — 15 Year, 20 Year, 23 Year, Old Rip Van Winkle 10 and 12, Van Winkle Special Reserve.
• Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) — William Larue Weller, George T. Stagg, Eagle Rare 17 Year, Sazerac 18 Year, Thomas H. Handy.
• Blanton's — Gold Edition, Straight From The Barrel, Takara Red, Special Reserve.
• Eagle Rare — Eagle Rare 10 Year, Eagle Rare 17 (BTAC).
• Stagg — Stagg Jr. and George T. Stagg.
• William Larue Weller and the Weller lineup — Weller Special Reserve, Antique 107, 12 Year, Full Proof, Single Barrel.
• EH Taylor — Small Batch, Single Barrel, Barrel Proof, Straight Rye, Cured Oak, and other limited expressions.
• Old Forester Birthday Bourbon — annual release, vintage-dated.
• Michter's — 10 Year Single Barrel, 20 Year, 25 Year, Toasted Barrel, Sour Mash.
• Other allocated releases — Heaven Hill Heritage Collection, Parker's Heritage, Four Roses Limited Edition, Wild Turkey Master's Keep, Russell's Reserve 13.

How Allocations Work

Distilleries set annual production volumes based on what was barreled years or decades ago. Once that supply is allocated to retailers, no more is made until the next release cycle. This is why Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year — barreled in the early 2000s — is so rare today: the supply was decided 20+ years ago and cannot be increased.

Retailers typically receive their allocations in waves throughout the year. At Wooden Cork, we list allocations on this page as they arrive. Sign up for restock notifications on individual product pages to be alerted when specific bottles come in.

Allocated Bourbon Delivery from Wooden Cork

Wooden Cork ships allocated bourbon to all states where direct-to-consumer spirits delivery is permitted. Delivery takes 1–7 days depending on your location, with most orders shipping within 1–2 business days. Expedited options are available at checkout.

Federal law requires an adult 21 or older to be present and sign for any spirits delivery. Allocated bourbon is shipped in protective packaging with fitted bottle protectors and corrugated boxes rated for spirits transit. Multi-bottle orders use dividers to prevent breakage.