How do whisky auctions work?

How Do Whisky Auctions Work? – A Look Behind the Scenes

For several decades now, whisky has been more than just a drink to enjoy, it has also become a distinctive and growing investment asset. Increasingly, people are discovering the value of rare and exceptional bottles of whisky, a trend fuelled by the significant rise in prices seen in recent years. One of the most popular ways to buy these unique bottles of Scotch single malt whisky is through whisky auctions. But what exactly are whisky auctions, and how do they work? In this article, we take you behind the scenes of the whisky auction process and explain why auctions have become an attractive option for investors over the years.

What Are Whisky Auctions?

Whisky auctions are events where rare, old, or exclusive bottles of whisky are sold to the highest bidder. These auctions can take place both physically and online, offering investors a unique opportunity to purchase bottles that are no longer available through regular retail channels.
Examples include limited editions, bottles from closed distilleries, and other remarkable Scotch single malts that appeal to both investors and collectors. For this reason, many see whisky auctions as an important part of the secondary market.

Why Are Whisky Auctions Interesting for Investors?

Whisky auctions offer investors a unique chance to benefit from the appreciation of rare and high-quality bottles. The opportunity to acquire exclusive investment assets is one clear advantage, but there are more.
Because bidding is public, participants can see exactly what others are willing to pay, creating transparency and helping you assess the fair market value of a bottle.
Flexibility is another key advantage: as a seller, you can decide when to offer a bottle for sale, while as a buyer, you can search for specific bottles that fit your investment strategy.

How Do Whisky Auctions Work?

To better understand how a whisky auction functions, here are the main steps followed by both buyers and sellers.

Registration
To participate, both buyers and sellers must first register with the auction platform. This process is usually simple and requires only basic information such as contact details and payment methods. Some auctions, particularly for higher-value bids, may require additional verification.

Submitting Bottles
Sellers submit their bottles with descriptions, photos, and relevant documentation. The auction house then checks the authenticity and condition of the bottles before setting a starting price, often based on market value and rarity.

Bidding Process
Once the auction begins, participants can place bids on the bottles they find interesting. As with any auction, the highest bid at the time of closing wins. The bidding period can vary depending on whether the auction is held online or in person. Note that both buyers and sellers typically pay a commission to the auction house, which should be factored into your bidding strategy.

Payment and Completion
After the auction ends, the highest bidder receives confirmation and must complete payment within a set timeframe. The seller receives the proceeds minus the auction commission. The buyer then either collects the whisky or, in the case of online auctions, has it securely shipped. Some auction houses also offer secure storage for future resale.

Investing in Whisky with Scotch Whisky Investments

Thinking about investing in whisky yourself? Scotch Whisky Investments offers that opportunity.
As one of the leading players in the international whisky market, we provide investors with professional guidance and complete management of their whisky portfolios. Our goal is to make wealth growth through whisky as smooth and transparent as possible.

If you would like to learn more about how to invest in whisky, please contact us or request our whitepaper for detailed information about the possibilities.