How to Start a Whiskey Collection: 10 Best Bottles + 7 Insider Tips

Whiskey collecting, a rewarding pursuit enjoyed by millions globally, has seen a surge in recent years. 

Imagine your own curated collection, shelves adorned with the smoky peat of a Scottish Islay, the smooth caramel notes of a Kentucky bourbon, or the delicate floral undertones of a Japanese single malt! 

Let’s explore the best whiskies to invest in and expert tips to help you build an impressive whiskey collection. 

Plus, we’ll reveal a smart way to build a collection of whiskey casks through Vinovest.

4 Types of Whiskey to Add to Your Collection

There are four prominent types of whiskey that you can choose from: 

• Scotch Whiskey: Scotch whiskey is made exclusively in Scotland and adhering to specific regulations. This includes the peaty Islay Scotch malts with their maritime influence to the elegant and smooth Highland whiskies. The drink has a diverse spectrum of flavors, including notes of heather, honey, malt, and a hint of peat smoke.
• Irish Whiskey: Known for its triple distillation process and smoothness, Irish Whiskey offers a light and approachable profile. It typically boasts a gentle sweetness with hints of vanilla, honey, and orchard fruits. Some expressions may showcase subtle spice or a delicate touch of floral and grassy notes, culminating in a velvety finish.
• Japanese Whisky: Japanese whisky is known for its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship — employing traditional Scottish whisky-making techniques. It often exhibits a delicate and refined flavor profile, combining smoothness, complexity, and a balance of fruity, floral, and subtle smoky notes.
• American Whiskey: American whiskey encompasses various styles such as bourbon, rye whiskey, Tennessee whiskey, and corn whiskey — each with its own distinct characteristics. But generally, the drinks usually exhibit notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, spices, and sometimes a hint of smokiness.

But then, which bottles should you invest in?

10 Best Whiskey Bottles for Your Collection (Expensive and Budget Options)

Below are the finest whiskies worth adding to your collection. You’ll discover why they’re special, including their tasting notes:

1. The Macallan Lalique 55 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
2. 2022 Oban Distillers Edition Double Matured Montilla Fino Sherry Cask Wood Single Malt Scotch Whisky
3. Jameson Bow Street 18 Year Old Cask Strength Irish Whiskey
4. The Yamazaki 55 Year Old Single Malt Whisky
5. Old Rip Van Winkle 'Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve' 23 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
6. Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
7. Buffalo Trace Distillery Kosher Wheat Recipe Straight Bourbon Whiskey
8. W. L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey
9. Eagle Rare 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
10. Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1. The Macallan Lalique 55 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($202,713)

This spirit was released in 2007, and only 420 individually numbered decanters were made available worldwide. The decanter is inspired by Lalique’s classic Paquerettes tiara perfume bottle.

This fine liquid from the United Kingdom is the second edition of the famous Macallan Lalique Six Pillars collection.

This expensive bottle opens with dried citrus fruit flavors with old leather, spearmint, oak, and leafy smoke notes.

2. 2022 Oban Distillers Edition Double Matured Montilla Fino Sherry Cask Wood Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($97)

This extraordinary single malt Scotch was matured twice — first in Refill American and European Oak, and then in Montilla Fino-seasoned re-charred American Oak.

It’s a great whiskey with a distinctive honey flavor and notes of orange zest, smoke, coffee, apricot, gingerbread, cinnamon, cloves, leather, and oak wood.

3. Jameson Bow Street 18 Year Old Cask Strength Irish Whiskey ($203)

This spirit is a blend of three rare whiskies matured for 18 years in specially selected European and American oak casks. Interestingly, the drink is bottled only once a year — making it a rare treasure.

It has the tasting notes of citrus fruit with vanilla toffee, ground ginger, spice, and sweet toffee hints. On the nose, it displays herbal aromas with lemongrass hints.

4. The Yamazaki 55 Year Old Single Malt Whisky ($917,397)

The Yamazaki 55 Year Old Single Malt is a famous Japanese whisky made from the careful combination of two whiskies. 

The first one is a whisky distilled in 1960 under the supervision of Suntory’s founder Shinjiro Torii. The second one is a whisky distilled in 1964 under Suntory’s Second Master Blender, Keizo Saji.

The resulting expression boasts a deep amber color and robust aromas of sandalwood and well-ripened fruit. On the palate, it’s sweet and offers wood notes.

5. Old Rip Van Winkle 'Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve' 23 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($6,705)

This legendary Kentucky bourbon whiskey is bottled at 95.6 proof (47.8% ABV) and is released in small batches annually. It won the Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards in 2008, and scored 95 points from the Whisky Advocate.

This extraordinary liquid has a soothing oily texture with aromas of toffee, old rum, nougat, vanilla bean, candied fruit, and black raspberry. On the palate, it offers flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with a smooth, polished oak finish.

6. Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($1,177)

This drink is bottled at 107 proof, and a splash of Kentucky limestone well water is added to it after the aging process. It scored 92 points from Wine Enthusiast.

It’s a rich, great whiskey with aromas of sweet vanilla and oak wood. On the palate, this expensive bottle opens with the flavors of robust wheat, cherries, spice, and oak tannins.

7. Buffalo Trace Distillery Kosher Wheat Recipe Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($102)

This whiskey was produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in partnership with the Chicago Rabbinical Council. It’s made using the same high-quality grains as the W.L. Weller Bourbon Whiskey.

It was aged for seven years in specifically designated Kosher barrels and was bottled at 94 proof.

The whiskey boasts candy apple aromas with sweet chocolate notes. On the palate, it displays flavors of apple peels, white pepper, cinnamon, oak, and orange peel.

8. W. L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey ($90)

This coveted bourbon whiskey scooped a Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Silver Medal at the 2019 World Whiskies Awards.

It’s a smooth drink that offers the flavors of honey and butterscotch with a hint of citrus and oaky wood. On the nose, it displays caramel and crème brulee aromas with nutmeg hints.

9. Eagle Rare 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($64)

This bourbon whiskey from North America earned a Gold Medal at the 2013 International Wine and Spirits Competition. It also scored 95 points from Robert Parker and 96 points from Wine Enthusiast.

It displays a golden honey color and the aromas of gentle toast, fresh tobacco, and banana. On the palate, it boasts a rich, fruity taste with notes of chocolate, almonds, melons, and raisins.

10. Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($57)

This drink is produced from a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley. It’s a marriage of three Wild Turkey whiskies that were aged for 6, 8, and 12 years, respectively.

It received 94 points for "Best Whisky USA" at the Falstaff-Spirits-Gala 2014.

The whiskey opens with chocolate, vanilla, spice, and smoky flavors. On the nose, it displays floral aromas with hints of black pepper, almonds, and honey.

So, where can you buy collectible whiskies?

Check out distilleries, auction houses, retail outlets, and duty-free shops. 

But if you want to make your life easier, invest in whiskey casks through a reputed platform like Vinovest.

Why should you invest in whiskey casks?

They improve with age, have more liquidity than bottles, and they deliver bulk value!

Let’s now show you how you can actually get started with building your whiskey collection.

How to Start Your Whiskey Collection: 7 Insider Tips

These are the only tips you’ll need to start building an enviable collection of these fine spirits:

1. Research Thoroughly
2. Build Relationships With Distilleries and Retailers
3. Set a Budget
4. Join Whiskey-Collecting Communities
5. Arrange Proper Display and Storage
6. Get Insurance for Your Precious Bottles
7. Distinguish an Authentic Bottle From a Counterfeit One

1. Research Thoroughly

Look for rare and limited edition whiskey bottles because they often hold higher value and collectibility than others. 

Also, consider the age and maturation of the whiskey.

Why?

Because older expressions tend to offer more complexity and depth. 

Additionally, pay attention to the reputation of the distillery. That’s because renowned producers often craft collectible, fine spirits.

2. Build Relationships With Distilleries and Retailers

Visit distilleries and local retailers to meet industry professionals. Also, follow distilleries and retailers on social media for updates and exclusive releases. 

And what are the benefits?

This can equip you with valuable insider knowledge and access to limited edition bottles and special offers.

3. Set a Budget

While it’s important to consider the investment potential of bottles, always prioritize buying whiskies you genuinely enjoy. When you balance your budget with personal taste, you can ensure that your collection brings you both joy and potential returns in the future.

4. Join Whiskey-Collecting Communities

Engage in online forums and communities where you can discuss and learn from fellow collectors. 

Join whiskey clubs and societies that offer exclusive events, educational resources, and access to rare bottles. 

Attend whiskey-tasting events and festivals. This will expand your palate, help you connect with like-minded enthusiasts, and discover new bottles to add to your collection.

5. Arrange Proper Display and Storage

Always store bottles of whiskey in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Invest in a protective whiskey cabinet or shelving unit that provides easy access. 

Get creative with display ideas when you store bottles of whiskey. 

For instance, use LED lighting or glass cases to highlight the visual appeal of your collection. A well-organized and stylish display will elevate the aesthetic charm of your whiskey collection.

6. Get Insurance for Your Precious Bottles

Getting your precious whiskey bottles insured is a wise step to safeguard your investment. Look for specialized insurance providers or consult with your existing insurance company to determine coverage options.

7. Distinguish an Authentic Bottle From a Counterfeit One

Learn to distinguish an authentic whiskey bottle from a counterfeit one. (Or, use an expert’s help!)

You don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on a bottle that may end up being worthless in the future.

But how do you know if a bottle is fake or authentic?

Pay attention to details such as label quality, bottle shape, and packaging consistency. Research the brand’s security features, such as holograms or unique markings, and compare them to known authentic examples. 

Also, be cautious of suspiciously low prices or special offers. And when you’re in doubt, consult reputable whiskey experts.

That said, whiskey collecting can be a cumbersome, time-consuming process if you’re doing it yourself! 

The easiest way to invest in whiskey would be through an expert whiskey investment platform like Vinovest.

But before we get into that, let’s look at why the finest whiskeys are investment-worthy.

Why Should You Invest in Whiskies?

Rare bottles of whiskey have the potential for significant returns. For instance, in recent years, auctions have seen bottles reach astronomical prices, with limited editions and aged expressions commanding top bids.

For example:

• The Macallan 1926 is famous for breaking auction records. A single bottle with illustrations by Irish artist Michael Dillon was sold for a whopping $1.5 million at a 2018 Christie's auction house in London.
• The 55-year-old Yamazaki Single Malt (the world’s oldest Japanese whisky) fetched a mind-blowing price of $789,814 at a 2020 Bonham’s auction house.
• A single bottle of The Macallan Lalique Single Malt Scotch Whisky was sold for over $126,000 at a 2019 Bonham’s auction.

Also, top-notch whiskies usually increase in value over time. For instance:

• The Old Fitzgerald 1849 Bourbon Whiskey’s price increased from $1,016 in October 2021 to $2,578 in January 2023 — a staggering 154% increase.
• The price of the Willett Family Estate Bottled Single-Barrel 22 Year Old Rye Whiskey rose from $22,535 in April 2021 to $40,081 in November 2022 — a 78% increase.

But guess what?

Investing in whiskey casks has emerged as an attractive investment option compared to investing in bottles.

Why?

Investing in casks allows you to participate in the whiskey's maturation process and potentially benefit from its appreciation over time. As the whiskey ages, its flavor profile evolves — making it more desirable to collectors and connoisseurs alike.

According to research by Whisky Investment Partners, the average annual return on a rare whisky cask is between 8-12%. In fact, you can buy whisky casks at a much younger age and at a lower price than matured whisky — the drink will only get better and more valuable over time.

So, what’s the easiest way to invest in rare whiskey casks?

Invest in the World’s Finest Whiskey Casks Through Vinovest

Vinovest, a well-established wine investment platform, is rolling out a full-stack whiskey investment platform.

The AI-powered platform helps you invest in exquisite American whiskey, Islay Scotch whisky, and Irish whiskey casks.

What are the benefits of investing through Vinovest?

• Hassle-Free Ownership: Vinovest authenticates, stores, and insures your whiskey casks. What’s more interesting is that you can sample your whiskey once per year.
• Spend Less for More: By investing through Vinovest, you’ll avoid intermediaries and extra commissions.
• Expert Assistance: Vinovest’s expert advisers will guide you toward creating a successful investment portfolio.

Ready to get started?

Visit the Vinovest website today and start investing in rare whiskey casks from North America, Europe (such as in the United Kingdom), and all over the world.