Historical changes in the value of whisky - Learning from the past

Historical change in value of whisky 

Whisky is no longer just a popular drink these days. It is also becoming increasingly attractive as an investment opportunity. The market for whisky has changed drastically in recent years and the value of certain bottles has risen sharply in recent decades. But what exactly drives this change in value? And how can you learn from historical developments to make the right investment decisions in the coming years? In this blog, we'll take you through the history of whisky as an investment and share insights on how to learn from the past.  

The rise of whisky as an attractive investment 

Whisky has therefore developed into a popular investment object in recent years and that actually started from the 80s and 90s. That's when some bottles from famous Scottish distilleries like Macallan and Glenfiddich began to gain significant value. Where these bottles were previously mainly seen as drinks to be enjoyed, it then emerged as a form of power. As more people worldwide became interested in whisky as an investment object, the prices of rare and old bottles began to rise. When a bottle of Macallan 1926 was sold for more than one million dollars in 2018, it was once again confirmed that real money can be made in the world of investment whisky.  

From popular drink to asset 

There are a number of points that help to understand more about the historical change in value of whisky. Therefore, below we list a number of factors that have influenced the whisky market over the years.  

Scarcity and rarity
As with many other investment options, scarcity plays a major role in the increase in the value of whisky. Certain distilleries have produced small quantities of special editions, often with limited editions. The demand for rare bottles has risen considerably, which of course also causes rising values.  

Brand reputation
The reputation of a distillery is also an important factor that influences the value of whisky. Certain brands have built a strong reputation over the years for their high-quality whisky and craftsmanship. This has helped to increase prices, especially for bottles that have been withdrawn from the market or that have unique characteristics. 

Geography
Despite the fact that in recent years attention has also been drawn to whiskies from Japan, Ireland, Taiwan and India, Scotland remains the 'Valhalla' of whisky distilleries. Here you will find the most famous and renowned whisky distilleries and it is not for nothing that the country is known for large whisky regions such as Highlands, Speyside and Islay. Partly due to Scotland's good reputation in the whisky industry, bottles from distilleries in these regions have become very valuable. 

Learning from the past: where are the opportunities now?  

If we look back at the historical change in value of whisky, we see some clear trends that are still applicable today. That is why we can say that we can learn from the past, also when it comes to investing in whisky. For that reason, we can share a number of strategies that stem from the lessons learned in the past. 

Invest in rare bottles and special editions.
Rarity is and remains one of the most determining factors for the increase in value of whisky. Limited editions and bottles from distilleries that have now closed their doors are therefore often worth investing in.  

Think long-term and stay well informed.
Historical data shows that the value of whiskies tends to increase over a longer period of time, and whisky is generally a long-term investment. Often, investors who are patient and stay alert to new trends and developments in the market achieve the best results.  

Choose quality over quantity.
While it can be tempting to invest in multiple bottles, the past shows that investing in a few high-quality bottles often yields better results. This certainly applies to bottles from well-known distilleries or with a special history.  

Take advantage of the increase in value of whisky yourself! 

Thus, learning from the historical change in value of whisky can provide valuable insights for new investors. Are you possibly one of those new investors and are you still looking for a platform where you can count on carefree managed investing with the help of specialists? Contact Scotch Whisky Investments and discover all the possibilities for the best results!