For bourbon drinkers, 2013 is starting to look a lot like the 1970s.

From the 1950 to 1970s, Jim Beam released collectable decanters that can be found on eBay for as high as $4,500. These decanters ranged from ducks to cars and from political to satirical.

Other spirits followed Beam’s lead. In 1969, Canadian Mist released a Ceramic Canadian Mountie Decanter, which can be found on eBay for $19. The 1960s-era Beefeater Yeoman decanter still commands a hefty $160 on eBay, showing the decanter phenomenon reached far deeper than just bourbon drinkers.

By the 1970s, the decanter helped create a unique collector’s market that is still very alive today. Just visit JimBeamDecanters.net to learn the depth.

Within three months, 2013 is proving to be a whiskey collector’s kind of year.

As soon as Maker’s Mark reversed the proof, the Maker’s Mark 84 proof bottles became instant collector’s items and Kentucky retailers saw them fly off the shelf.

Four Roses recently announced its Secretariat Bourbon Decanters. The 500 limited-edition, hand-numbered decanters will become huge collectables for bourbon drinkers and horse fans alike.

Meanwhile, Woodford Reserve announced the release of the 2013 Kentucky Derby commemorative bottle featuring the artwork of Oregon-based painter Eric Bowman.

I’ve heard rumors of other brands planning to announce cool bottles. So, keep your eye out for these special whiskeys in special bottles.

But before I get ahead of myself and declare 2013 the year of the collector, let’s look at some of those hip Jim Beam decanters. If you want to see these in person, go check out the Jim Beam Distillery in Claremont, Kentucky. Jim Beam is even selling decanters in the gift shop. Could it become a collectable?