There’s a whole lot of whisky, gin, tequila and more that is nigh-on impossible to snag. Perhaps it’s made in limited quantities and “allocated” before you ever get the chance to see it, like fine Bordeaux or Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 23-year bourbon. Perhaps it’s only available in a few states or for a limited time. It might simply cost an arm and a leg. In addition, however, there’s a shadow world of fine spirits that never (or barely) make it to market. A handful of bartenders and reporters will score bragging rights and happily tell you what you missed. But you, dear reader, are SOL when it comes to trying these “experimental” boozes. So what’s the point?

It turns out that distillers and blenders are constantly experimenting with new ideas, barrel-aging combinations, ingredients and so forth. Even brands that produce a single label are always digging around for new concepts. Some “experiments” result in unusual limited-edition expressions of an established brand. Take distiller Chris Morris’ annual Master’s Collection: Each year, one variable (wood type, age, finishing, mash bill, yeast, etc) in the Woodford Reserve formula is tweaked. However, a great many trials never leave the distillery, or are available only as teasers to the industry, who share their experiences with the public. Why? So we can tell you how great something is you’ll never have a chance in hell of finding, even on eBay? It’s a bit like a designer showing off a custom piece at the Oscars: If we can’t buy it at Banana Republic, what’s the point?

• We Got A Chance To Drink The Last Ever Bottle Of Glenmorangie 1963 - It Was Amazing
• Have You Ever Eaten A Cloud? Starting Now, You Can - Thanks To Science