Why Collect Bourbon?
Since COVID-19, bourbon has become increasingly popular as a collectible spirit, decreasing the availability of rare and limited edition bourbons. This drives up the value of certain bottles on the secondary market. Rare and highly sought-after bourbons can demand hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction or private social media groups, making them a potentially lucrative investment for collectors.
Bourbon also has social aspects. Many bourbon drinkers enjoy sharing their collections with others and participating in tastings and events allowing them to try new and rare bourbons. This sense of community has helped to drive the popularity of bourbon as a collectible.
How to taste and evaluate bourbon
Tasting bourbon is a deeply personal experience. When it comes to our nose and palate, we all have our preferences. Take note of what your ideal bourbon should smell and taste like. Here are some steps to follow when tasting and evaluating bourbon:
Use the right glass
Use a Glencairn glass as it is ideal for funneling the aromas and flavors of the bourbon and is inexpensive. Any respectable bourbon enthusiast will use a Glencairn for all tastings. Other brands and types of glasses may produce similar results but will cost about the same with less noticeability.
Observe the color
Hold the glass up to the light and look at the color of the bourbon. The color can give you clues about the age and flavor profile of the bourbon. Take note of what color brings about the most pleasure to you. Some may like the color to be dark and rich while others may like a more amber or natural look.
Profile the nose
Bring the glass to your nose and take a deep whiff of the bourbon. Try to identify the different aromas, such as vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice.
Sip don’t tank
Take a small sip of the bourbon and let it sit on your tongue for a few seconds. Swirl it around in your mouth to fully coat your taste buds. Refrain from taking it as a shot. Collectible bourbons are meant to be enjoyed. If you want a “buzz”, don’t grab a collectible bourbon.
Go for the palate
Think about the different flavors that you’re experiencing. Make sure you can tell if the bourbon is sweet versus spicy. Notice the subtle or sometimes not so settle notes of vanilla or caramel. Don’t forget about the finish. Does the initial tasting profile stick with you for a while or go away quickly? Take note of if the taste changes after a few seconds and this may open up a whole new experience. Most like a long, ever-changing finish that leaves a lasting thought.
Summarize the overall experience
Think about your overall experience tasting the bourbon. Decide what you like about the bourbon and chances are others may have a similar preference and rate it a collectible.
By following these steps, you can start to develop your palate for bourbon and learn how to evaluate different types of bourbon based on their aroma, flavor, and finish. As you become more experienced, you may start to notice subtle differences between different types of bourbon and be able to identify the specific flavors and aromas that you enjoy the most.
Setting a budget and priorities for collecting
Collecting bourbon can be an expensive hobby, especially if you’re interested in rare or limited-edition bottles. It’s important to set a budget and priorities to ensure that you’re not overspending and that you’re getting the most enjoyment out of your collection.
Set a budget
Determine how much you’re willing to spend on collecting bourbon each month or year. If not, you’ll end up trying every bottle you see on a shelf or read a review of. This can get expensive fast.
Prioritize your purchases
Decide which bottles are the most important to you and focus on acquiring those first. This could be based on factors such as how hard it is to find, flavor profile, or cost.
Consider the secondary market
Consider the secondary market: While buying bottles at retail price is ideal, some rare or limited edition bottles may only be available on the secondary market at a higher price. I don’t recommend this when you’re learning about your preferences as you often will pay two to three times more. It’s also hard to find trustworthy sellers. I recommend splitting a bottle with a friend or joining a local bourbon social group for tasting and sharing.
Enjoy your collection
Don’t just focus on acquiring bottles, make sure to also enjoy your collection by opening and tasting different bottles. Bourbon is meant to enjoy whether on your own or with a friend. Prepare to save a little of each bottle to compare against other bottles later. A bottle kill is always exciting, especially with other enthusiasts, but it may be hard to come by that bottle again in the future.
By setting a budget and priorities, you can ensure that you’re collecting bourbon in a way that aligns with your financial goals and personal interests. Collecting bourbon can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby, but it’s important to approach it responsibly and thoughtfully.
Researching and selecting bottles to collect
When it comes to collecting bourbon, research, and knowledge are key. Here are some tips for researching and selecting bottles to buy:
Read reviews
Look for reviews of different bourbons online by reading blogs, watching YouTube videos, or popular magazine articles. These reviews can give you an idea of the flavor profile and overall quality of a particular bottle. Don’t rely too much on these reviews as bourbon is a personal experience.
Join bourbon groups
Join online bourbon groups or local clubs to connect with other collectors and learn about new releases or allocated bottles. Local restaurants or stores will often select their private barrel picks. These picks are very rare and can be often better than the typical releases. After trying most of the typical brands and types, these private picks may be the only way to extend your collection.
Visit distilleries
Visit distilleries and attend tours to learn about the history and production process of different bourbons. Many distilleries offer tastings or exclusive bottlings that are only available at their location.
Attend tastings
Attend tastings or events to try different bourbons and expand your palate. This can also be a great opportunity to connect with other collectors and learn about new releases.
Check prices
Before buying a bottle, check prices at different retailers or online. Some stores will charge secondary prices based on supply and demand.
Consider the age
The age of a bourbon can impact its flavor profile and value. Older bourbons may be more rare and valuable, but they may also have a higher price tag.
By being informed, you will expand your bourbon collection with intention and at a greater velocity while staying on budget. Avoid buying bottles just because you have never seen them before as you’ll end up with several bottles you don’t want to drink. At least you can use those bottles to get a buzz on.
Storing and displaying your bourbon collection
Proper storage and display can make a big difference in how your bourbon collection is enjoyed. Here are some tips for storing and displaying your collection:
Store bottles upright
Unlike wine, bourbon should be stored upright to avoid damage to the cork or leakage. You can also fit more bottles on your shelves. Space will be a premium as you expand your bourbon collection.
Avoid direct sunlight and heat
Store your collection in a cool, dark place to avoid direct sunlight and heat which can impact the flavor and age of the bourbon. Most will keep their unopened bottles in a pantry or cabinet while displaying their opened bottles on a shelf in a study or library.
Use a whiskey cabinet or shelf
A nicely organized and lighted shelf lined with bottles will bring joy and elevate your collection. Custom shelves will be the envy of others, but an inexpensive wooden shelf from Amazon will also do the trick. Be sure the shelf height is appropriate to fit your taller bourbons. Now you can organize your bottles based on preference and have a top-shelf collection.
By properly storing and displaying your collection, you can ensure that your bourbon ages well and is enjoyed to its fullest potential. Be sure to sip your bourbon or you’ll end up looking for a dedicated whiskey cave or additional shelves to hold your expanding bourbon collection.
Final thoughts on starting your bourbon collection
Starting a bourbon collection can seem overwhelming at first, but it can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Here are some final thoughts and encouragement to get you started:
Unique experience
Bourbon can stimulate all of your senses. It’s a wonder how you can often smell so much nature and flavor with juice that sits in barrels for years. The color can be so satisfying. The palate can bring you enjoyment from the first sip to the long finish.
Start small
You don’t have to go out and buy every bottle you come across or the most expensive bottle right away. Start small by trying different types of bourbon and gradually build your collection over time.
Do your research
Take the time to learn about different types of bourbon, their production process, and the distilleries that produce them. This will help you make informed decisions when selecting bottles for your collection.
Social aspect
Collecting bourbon can also be a social activity, allowing you to connect with other collectors and bourbon enthusiasts. You’ll be surprised how many men and women enjoy a sip of the “brown water”.
Enjoy the journey: Remember that collecting bourbon is about personal enjoyment and discovery. Don’t worry too much about building a perfect collection or investing in the “right” bottles. Instead, focus on trying new things and savoring the flavors and aromas of each bottle.