How to Start a Whisky Collection
The US is the largest importer of whisky; in fact, exports to our country increased by 8% in the first quarter of 2022, even though there was a 25% tax on single malts!
If you’ve never had this rich and elegant liquor, then it’s never too late to start. And while you’re at it, why not build a whisky collection? That way, not only will you have various whisky types to drink, but you’ll also have something impressive to show off.
Read on to see how you can start a nice whisky collection.
Table of Contents
Know the Differences
You might’ve noticed that this liquor is spelled in two ways: “whisky” and “whiskey.” They’re the same alcohol, but the spelling denotes where they come from.
“Whisky” is reserved for spirits that are made in Ireland and the US. “Whiskey” is used for those distilled in Scotland, Canada, and Japan.
There are also two main types of whisky: grain and malt. Both Ireland and Scotland only used malted barley until the 1830s, so the grain variety is relatively new. The grains most often used are wheat and corn.
Do Your Research
We’ve told you the basics above, but the world of whisky is so much deeper.
There are many resources available for you to learn more about whisky, both online and offline. For example, you can subscribe to magazines or read articles online. There are even forums and message boards where you can read and discuss whisky with other enthusiasts.
Go Whisky Tasting
If you have no clue where to start, then not to worry. There are many breweries and distilleries that offer whisky tastings, so go wild!
You’ll get to taste different types of whisky, so note down which ones you like and dislike. You can then discuss your tastes with the bartenders, and they can suggest the types and whisky brands you might prefer.
Age Is Just a Number
Some whisky snobs might say that the older the whisky, the better. However, that’s not always the case.
Solely from an investment standpoint, older bottles will definitely cost more. But they won’t necessarily be worth more in the long run. Some younger limited batches can have significantly higher value!
As far as taste goes, buying what you find tasty is what matters. If older whisky isn’t your thing, then that’s ok.
Start Out Small
You might wonder, “is whisky a good investment?” Well, it can be, if you spend your money wisely.
Before you get a solid whisky foundation, you’ll want to start small. Purchase small bottles of 30mL or 50mL first. If you find that you like those whiskys, you can then invest in 750mL or 1L bottles.
Have Fun With Your Whisky Collection
Building up a whisky collection can be an exciting thing to do. You can discover all the different types and brands, and see which suit your palate.
And when you travel, you can always be on the lookout for new bottles to add to your collection. It can be a great lifelong passion!
For more food and culinary information, keep reading our blog page.
Last Updated on March 4, 2023
