8 Whisky Collecting Tips for Beginners

by Daniel Corlett

Whisky collecting is a great way to invest in a hobby that you can enjoy alone or with your loved ones. 

Whether you’ve dabbled in the collector's lifestyle before or you’re ready to jump into something new, you’re bound to embark on a journey of history, culture, and unparalleled flavour. 

Today, Whisky Tasting Company will share eight tips for beginners on whisky collecting. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a bottle of your favourite whisky as we dive into it.

1. Start with a Tasting Set 

First and foremost, you must figure out what you like in a whisky before you splurge. 

Lucky for you, whisky-tasting sets allow you to dabble with various types of whisky before investing in a bottle. Our tasting sets feature 3-5 miniature whiskies alongside tasting cards and a mat for an enriching experience. 

You can choose from single malts, classic whiskies, and a variety of scotches. This is a cost-effective and fun way to experiment with different whiskies until you find the right taste for you.

2. Educate Yourself on Whisky Types 

There’s an abundance of whisky types out there to explore, and having some background knowledge of each one can benefit you as a collector. 

Here are some brief explanations of the main categories of whisky to help you get started:

  • Single malt whisky: This is made from malted barley at a single distillery and features a variety of rich and complex flavours. 
  • Blended whisky: This features a mixture of single malt and grain whiskies from various distilleries for a consistent flavour profile. 
  • Bourbon: This American whisky is made from at least 51% of corn. It's aged in new charred oak barrels to produce a caramel and vanilla flavour.
  • Grain whisky: This is produced from grains such as corn, malted barley, wheat, and rye. This is a lighter and milder whisky choice.
  • Rye whisky: Made from at least 51% of rye, this American whisky is renowned for its spicy and peppery flavour.
  • Irish whisky: This whisky is aged for three years in wooden casks and is triple distilled. It’s made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley and has a smooth flavour.
  • Japenese whisky: Inspired by Scottish whisky, Japanese whisky often features delicate and complex flavours. 

    3. Explore Different Regions 

    Whisky is produced in a variety of different regions, which results in whiskies that are unique from each other. 

    Whisky is influenced by the climate, traditions, and techniques of each region, resulting in distinct qualities in each type. 

    The popular regions include:

    Scotland

    • Speyside
    • Lowlands
    • Islay
    • Campbeltown
    • Highlands 

    Ireland 

    • Midleton
    • Northern island

    United States

    • Kentucky
    • Tenessee

    Japan

    • Hokkaido
    • Honshu

    4. Join a Whisky Club or Subscription Service 

    Whisky clubs are a great way to interact and bond with other whisky enthusiasts, providing the perfect environment to gain and share knowledge. 

    You can find local clubs in your community online or search for online groups and forums to join. Some popular groups include the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Whisky Me.

    Our whisky subscription service at the Whisky Tasting Company allows you to sign up for a quarterly 12-month subscription. Through this, you can enjoy luxury whisky sets delivered straight to your door, containing some of the oldest and rarest whiskies! 

    5. Attend Tasting Events and Whisky Festivals 

    Whisky-tasting events and festivals are the perfect social gathering for outgoing whisky enthusiasts. They allow you to engage in the community while trying and discovering new types of whisky.

    Fan favourites include the Whisky Show in London and the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. These feature various exhibitions where you can talk to the creators and sample their best products, ranging from rare single malts to new releases. 

    6. Learn About the Ageing Process 

    Understanding the ageing process is key for any whisky collector. 

    The ageing process largely influences the aroma, flavour, and character of every whisky, allowing you to determine the quality and value of each bottle.

    Start by diving into the role of the cask and the ageing environment for each whisky. The duration of ageing and the bottling process also influence the characteristics of each whisky.

    7. Proper Storage is Key

    As a whisky collector, you need to learn how to keep each bottle in great condition during storage. 

    Ensure that every bottle is stored upright and at a stable temperature of 15-20°C (59-68°F). Keep your whisky away from direct sunlight to prevent degradation and maintain moderate humidity levels of 50-70%. 

    You also most likely want to display your whisky in the most aesthetically pleasing way possible, right? If so, explore some stylish ideas for your whisky display here

    8. Document Your Collection 

    Documenting your collection allows you to keep track of your inventory, understand what you like, and identify what whiskies are missing from it. 

    You can categorise your whiskies based on their type and region and whether you have any old or rare whiskies in your possession. Track the value of each bottle so you know how much your collection is worth.

    You could even keep a collection of drinking notes for each whisky so you can remember what you liked or disliked from each drink.