Investing in the stock market, especially in the past decade or so, is a risky business. It’s driven some people to drink. In doing so, they’ve come to realize the drink itself may be the only surefire investment in these turbulent times.
Granted, those who are paying such high prices at auctions are people who have the disposable income to spend in the first place. What about the rest of us? And which whiskies should we be looking out for?
For us mere mortals, the biggest factor to consider when investing in whisky is its rarity. It’s important to know how much of it exists, and there are several ways to determine just how rare is rare. (By the way, price doesn’t necessarily determine rarity or value.)
How Old?
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Some independent bottlers, such as Samaroli, Signatory, Masters of Malt, Gordon McPhail, Cadenhead’s and others are doing great things with old casks, particularly when they are sourced from closed distilleries or single malts that are usually only found among big brand blends, such as Glenburgie. These are sometimes a fraction of the cost of a mature distillery release, and can be some of the best bargains out there.
Is it still being made?
Keep an eye out for bottles from closed distilleries. The remnants of anything from a cherished distillery such as Port Ellen or Brora in Scotland, or Stizel-Weller in Kentucky, are automatically rare and collectible because the last drops are just that, at least for now. Get to know these, especially because they might be found under assumed names.
A barrel can only hold so much
Consider that anything labeled “single barrel” means it only came from that one barrel, and the character of the liquid inside is variable. Even if there is a large amount of a vintage single barrel release, such as Evan Williams 2000, there really is only so much of it to be had, and it could potentially appreciate in value later on.
Limited Editions, Experimentals, Collectibles
Toward the end of the year, particularly at prime gift-giving season, brands tend to release one-offs that usually come in very limited supply for a number of reasons. Some brands such as Compass Box with their Flaming Heart or Jefferson’s Ocean do an annual or semi-annual version of a whisky that differs with each release, which automatically attaches value to the liquid once it disappears from the marketplace. Because it’s part of a series, it’s considered a collectible.
Discontinued Whisky
Your best weapon as a whisky collector, besides the money to spend in the first place, is time and research. Know your whisky and suss out just how much of it exists and whether it’s any good to begin with. Attend as many tastings as possible and join communities to find out the best ways to protect your purchases and resell them when the time is right. Personally, I think whisky is meant for drinking and not to stare at and covet. If at all possible, purchase at least two of everything so one bottle can be consumed and the other(s) saved for later.
Good luck and happy hunting!
