Whisky Collecting

**azwildcat96** · 22nd September 10, 11:13 AM

I am curious about whisky collecting. I buy a bottle now and then, and I sample different types when I'm out, but I'm thinking of starting a real collection.

To all the collectors out there, what is the prefered collection...a bunch of bottles gathering dust in a closet, or a bunch of opened bottles to be enjoyed, or a combination of the two?

**Jordan** · 22nd September 10, 11:26 AM

I have a bunch of empty bottles which im going to try to display

**Kilted in Maine** · 22nd September 10, 11:44 AM

Whisky is made to be drunk!

Enjoy!

**Wife** · 22nd September 10, 12:14 PM

We drink forrestermoderns collection.

**auld argonian** · 22nd September 10, 12:27 PM

Try this idea...set a limit to how many bottles you'll keep on hand at any one time...be it six, ten, twelve...something manageable, though. Don't buy a new one until one of the bottles kept on hand is empty. This'll keep you from having a whole lot of expensive stuff around that's doing nothing but taking up shelf space. I'd also suggest that you try these whiskies at a bar or at a sponsored tasting before you invest...this'll cut down on your buying something that you subsequently find out you do not care for.

Best

AA

**Wife** · 22nd September 10, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

Try this idea...set a limit to how many bottles you'll keep on hand at any one time...be it six, ten, twelve...something manageable, though. Don't buy a new one until one of the bottles kept on hand is empty. This'll keep you from having a whole lot of expensive stuff around that's doing nothing but taking up shelf space. I'd also suggest that you try these whiskies at a bar or at a sponsored tasting before you invest...this'll cut down on your buying something that you subsequently find out you do not care for.

Best

AA

Or just set out the stuff you don't care for, for guests......

**azwildcat96** · 22nd September 10, 12:44 PM

These answers all seem to be directed at keeping a few bottles around for the pleasure of having them. I appreciate that, because that is what I currently do (although it may only be a bottle or two of single malt).

I was also wondering about collecting for the sake of collecting. Does anyone purchase bottles strictly for a collection? Do you purchase from certain historic distilleries? Just one region (maybe only Islay malts)? Just because you like the label (artwork of stags)? Only certain ages (16 or 21 year old bottling)? Other reasons? Or maybe combinations of these?

And would these collections potentially appreciate in value with age, making this more of an investment than a well-stocked bar?

**DWFII** · 22nd September 10, 05:40 PM

I read somewhere...one of Pour 1malt's essays maybe...that a bottle that has been opened and is less than 2/3's (?) full, will deteriorate pretty quickly. IIRC, you've got less than six months to finish it off before it starts to get strange.

Makes a collection hard to keep unless you're not drinking from it.

**Big Mikey** · 22nd September 10, 06:13 PM

Here's a little tip from the wine world that also works with whiskies. To preserve an open but unfinished bottle of wine, you can purchase canisters of gas that while inert, will displace oxygen. It is the oxygen that causes wines or whiskies to turn. Just shoot a little of the gas into the top of the bottle and recork/seal. This will keep wines for up to a week after opening and I tried it with one of my whiskies and it was still luscious months later.