Currently, there’s no official confirmation that Buffalo Trace is changing the color of its label. However, a search on the TTB online database reveals an approved label featuring beige or tan lettering, a subtle shift from the traditional white text on the iconic Buffalo Trace Bourbon bottle. This discovery raises two key questions: Do bourbon bottles with old labels become more valuable? And how can you search the TTB Public COLA Registry for label approvals?
Are Bourbon Bottles with Old Labels More Valuable?
If you’re deep into the bourbon world, you’ve probably noticed when a brand tweaks its label. Sometimes it’s a small update—a font change, a new logo. Other times, it’s a full rebrand with new colors, bottle shapes, or even a completely different look. But does an older label make a bourbon bottle more valuable?
The short answer: sometimes, yes. Here’s why bourbon collectors and enthusiasts chase after bottles with previous label designs.
1. Nostalgia and Limited Availability
Once a label changes, the old version is gone forever. For collectors, that means a chance to own a piece of history. A bottle with an outdated label might remind drinkers of a time when they first fell in love with bourbon or when prices were more reasonable (looking at you, Blanton’s).
2. Perceived Differences in the Bourbon Itself
Even when distilleries claim nothing has changed beyond the packaging, some drinkers swear they can taste a difference. Whether it’s psychological or an actual shift in production, this perception drives up demand for “old label” bottles.
3. Discontinued Label Designs & Collectibility
Certain bourbon brands have had label changes that collectors now chase after. A few examples:
- Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC): Earlier labels and packaging variations are highly sought after.
- Blanton’s: Older export labels or discontinued versions (like the Japanese Takara Red) can fetch a premium.
- W.L. Weller: The older “squat bottle” versions of Weller 12-Year and Special Reserve now command much higher prices.
4. Potential Value Increases Over Time
If a brand makes a significant design shift—especially if they also change the bourbon’s age statement or proof—the older-labeled bottles tend to become collector’s items. A perfect example is the move from age-stated to non-age-stated bourbons, where people rush to grab bottles with the older age statements before they disappear.
Collecting Old Label Bourbons
If you see a label change coming, it might be worth grabbing a few of the older versions before they vanish from shelves. While not every label change results in skyrocketing value, history suggests that older-labeled versions of popular bourbons often become more desirable.
Have an old-labeled bottle in your collection? It might be worth more than you think! Keep an eye on secondary market prices, and who knows—you might be holding onto a future collector’s gem.
How to Search the TTB Public COLA Registry for Label/Bottle Approvals?
1. Visit the TTB COLA Database
Go to the TTB COLA Public Registry.
2. Use the Search Filters and Click On Search
- Product Type: Select “Distilled Spirits”
- Class/Type: Choose “Whisky” (or “Bourbon Whisky” if available)
- Issue Date Range: Set a recent date range to find the newest labels
- Brand Name: Enter a specific brand if looking for a particular bourbon
- Keyword Search: Use terms like “bourbon” or “single barrel” to narrow results
3. Analyze the Results
Click on the TTB ID that you wish to view.
4. View The Label Image
Click on the “Printable Version” link.
This will take you to a prompt to prove you are not a robot.
4. Scroll Down to View The Label
There’s so much information to check up on TTB Online it’s a treasure trove!