Bruichladdich Black Art

Truth be told, we have been eyeing a bottle of Bruichladdich Black Arts at our local shop for a few months now. It’s a 26-year-old Islay single malt, but unlike the traditional varieties, it’s un-peated. Sure, the bottle looks like a prop from Rosemary’s Baby, but the contents are extraordinary. It’s a staggeringly complex dram, with notes of mission figs and chocolate that give way to coconut and tobacco. Buy Now $360

Macallan 25

The Macallan 25 is one of the grails of single malts but not because it’s impossible to find. It’s out there — it’s just a jaw-droppingly expensive bottle. So, if you got a hefty refund back or just want to blow your whole wad, it’s worth the splurge. Mac 25 is an exquisitely layered drink, wealthy in sherried, dry fruit notes, a honied sweetness with a rolling, supple finish. Buy Now $1700

Yamazaki 18

Hard to find and even harder to pass up if you have the cash, Yamazaki 18 Japanese whiskey is simply amazing. Dark and fruity, with notes of nuts and spice. It’s a rich and full, magical whisky and we’d gladly empty our wallet for bottle. Buy Now $400

Michter’s 25 Year Rye

Rye aged 25 years is a rarity. In fact, we’ve never seen a bottle of Michter’s 25 Year Old Rye out in the wild. But if you are a rye fiend with a little refund in your pocket, you’re going to want to track down a bottle. This whiskey can thank its tapestry of flavor to a quarter century wrapped up in oak. Vanilla, citrus, and taste of coffee lead your mouth to a peppery rye finish. Buy Now $409

William Larue Weller

William Larue Weller is a bottle for bourbon lovers who like big flavors and high alcohol content (around 125 proof.) Any bottling from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is tough to find, and after Pappy, this one is probably the most scarce thanks to the fact that it was named 2019 World Whiskey of the Year by Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible. Buttery with rich oak, chocolate, dried fruits, and burnt sugar, it’s a fiery whiskey that does well with a touch of water. Buy Now $800

Didn’t Get a Refund? Try: Wild Turkey Rare Breed

If you’re like me and had to pay Uncle Sam a tidy sum with a little extra vigorish on top, may I recommend a bottle of Wild Turkey Rare Breed? Its’s a thick and rich cask strength whiskey that clocks in at 116 proof to help take a little of the sting off the fact that you had to pay up. But at least you can celebrate the fact that your taxes are done. Buy Now $47