Whisky as an Investment
Hints for the Whisky Speculator, Collector and Investor
Whisky has never been more in demand and now is the perfect time to consider investing in it. This article offers suggestions to the potential whisky investor.
As with anything else, whisky is about supply and demand. Those whiskies currently fetching the highest prices are naturally those that are in shortest supply. Obviously a 1974 Ardbeg is more expensive than a 10 year old Ardbeg because it cannot simply be continually reproduced in the way that the 10 year old expression can. Although currently expensive, there is little doubt that rare whiskies will become a good deal more expensive over the coming months and years as they become sought after by the better-informed and increasingly affluent malt lover abroad. For those considering buying whisky as an investment, here are some hints for good short, medium and long-term investments:
Withdrawn Bottlings
Look for bottlings that were quickly withdrawn from sale, e.g. Cardhu Pure Malt or Compass Box’s Spice Tree, or which have since moved exclusively to foreign markets, e.g. Glen Ord 12 year old.
Silent Distilleries
Look for distilleries that have since been demolished but whose whisky is generally very highly regarded, e.g. Port Ellen, Rosebank, and Brora. Even whiskies from poor but silent distilleries are worth considerable amounts of money, e.g. Ladyburn.
Distillery Committees
Many distilleries allow members of the public to join special groups who get first offering of special bottlings, e.g. the Ardbeg committee. These are often free and well worth joining. These bottlings, such as Ardbeg’s Corryvreckan, are usually of limited supply and are much sought after. Days after release, Corryvreckan fetched more than double its face value on ebay.
Legendary Expressions
Search for particularly legendary expressions, such as old Ardbegs, Glenfarclas’ and Macallans. These are sufficiently high-quality and sought-after whiskies that there will always be a strong market for them.
Unique Shop Expressions
Look out for whisky outlets where one-off and unique expressions are available. The Whisky Shop and The Whisky Exchange both sell unique and finite expressions that will likely increase in value over the years. The Whisky Shop’s Macallan 18 is a good example of a superb and much sought-after whisky from a distillery that rarely allows independent bottlings of its malt.
Independent Bottlings
Independent bottlings are thought to be in danger of disappearing from the shelves because of whisky’s increased demand. Good independent bottlings, particularly those from silent distilleries, are always a good investment. Limited single-cask whiskies are also available as official bottlings from distilleries. If you get a particularly good one, their value may rise exponentially.
En Primeur Casks
Where distilleries are still selling their casks en primeur, it is worth investing in one (if it is a good cask, obviously). New distilleries, such as the new St. George’s distillery in Norfolk, may sell some of its casks as they seek to recoup some of its investment.
Defunct Expressions
Look for standard (i.e. distillery) expressions that were withdrawn in favour of slightly older expressions, e.g. Oban 12 year old, Longmorn 15 year old and Talisker 8 year old. These are now much sought-after.
Age
Remember, age is no guarantee of quality in a whisky, but if the whisky is a particularly rare expression, it is likely it will be worth money.
Needless to say, there is no guarantee that any of these strategies will always come off but are meant to be treated as a guide.
