Thinking of investing in Rare Whisky? Start here.

When you think about investing in alcohol, what probably comes to mind first is the Fine Wine industry. And believe us, Liquid Opulence is no different – we’ve been espousing the benefits of fine wine investments since our inception more than a decade ago. 

But in recent years, investing in rare whisky has given enthusiasts a chance to get rich off of their favourite drink. The investment market for whisky is booming. For those looking to diversify their portfolios, investing in the hard stuff has never seemed more attractive. 

Some background information: 

For some, “whisky” conjures a mental image of a depression-era wanderer taking a swig from a jug with 3 X’s on it. But in recent years, whisky has become a respected luxury drink. Even in the Far East, the demand for special-edition whisky has skyrocketed. 

Whisky is now seen as a status symbol, and has even infiltrated pop culture as the “refined” or “manly” drink from which one should never stray. As Ron Swanson said in Parks & Recreation, “clear alcohols are for rich women on diets.” He says this with his signature Lagavulin neat in one hand, indicating the only drink for an established and confident man is

whisky.

And, because of the world whisky shortage, single malt Scotch whisky is one of the best performing assets in the investment world today. Over the last decade, single malt whiskies aged between 25 and 60 years have been worth their weight in gold – well, more than that actually. Data shows potential returns from single malt Scotch whisky is a more lucrative medium-term investment than equities, property, and (you guessed it) gold. 

Rare whisky has consistently outperformed fine wine prices since 2011, according to Bloomberg and using the Liv-ex 100 Benchmark Fine Wine Index and Rare Whisky 101. 

“Whisky has appreciated 140 percent in the past five years, according to the Vintage 50 Index compiled by Rare Whisky 101, outpacing the 19 percent advance of the Liv-ex 100 Benchmark Fine Wine Index,” Bloomberg writes. 

Things to know about investing: 

Investment quality whisky tends to be single malt and never the cheaper, blended whiskies. Bear in mind that blends account for more than 90 percent of all whisky consumed, so don’t get your hopes up about that bottle of Jack Daniels you’ve had in the liquor cabinet since 2003.

Investment-quality whisky usually costs a minimum £150 for a 700-millilitre bottle. The whisky ideally comes from a distinguished distillery where it has aged for 20 years or more. Scottish distilleries are known to produce the most desirable whiskies that have been aged in the barrel for at least two decades.

For the beginners, a spirit must be kept in a barrel for at least 3 years before it can be called whisky, officially. It is typically stored for at least 10 years before bottling. Graeme Maxwell, a whisky auctioneer at McTear’s Auctioneers, notes that the name of the distillery is among the most important factors for potential investors. 

The best distilleries in the industry, according to experts, include: Macallan, Ardbeg, Glenfiddich, Bowmore, Dalmore, Highland Park, Balvenie, and Glendronach. 

How to get started investing in spirits

Like any market, you need to take expert advice and use only reputable dealers. Luckily, Last Drop Distillers specialises in finding and bottling the world’s finest spirits. 

The Last Drop has earned a reputation for excellence by unearthing some of the world’s most prized whiskies, cognacs and rare spirits for the world’s connoisseurs. With only 16 releases in the last 11 years, The Last Drop can guarantee the highest of standards and will only bottle what they believe to be deserving of the The Last Drop Distillers livery. 

At Liquid Opulence, we are proud to offer trade and private clients access to some of the rarest spirits on earth through our close relationship with The Last Drop. 

Call or email us today to inquire about spirits investment. We always provide a completely free and friendly consultation for you to begin diversifying your portfolio.