In recent years, investors have discovered that single malt whisky can literally be liquid Gold. Investing in bottles of fine single malt whisky can bring amazing returns on investments. The advantage of investing in single malt Scotch whisky is that if you don’t make money on the whisky, you can always consume it!
The Scotch whisky industry reports that many investors are buying up rare and collectible single malt whiskies for the financial opportunities.
The reason why investing in single malt whisky is so profitable is due to the dwindling stocks of aged whiskies in Scotland. It is becoming harder to fine classic, rare, vintage single malts. At whisky exchange and single malt whisky auctions, rare Scotch whiskies frequently sell above the original price.
Investing in Single Malt Whisky
A Scotch Whisky Industry company, Rare Whisky 101 was set up to track changes in the trends in the rare whisky market.
Andy Simpson of Rare Whisky 101 says: “The niche aspects of Scotch whisky investing means that from an investment viewpoint it is mainly of interest to private individuals rather than institutions, who’d struggle to buy a meaningful allocation in the asset class. Investing in whisky has certain advantages over wine – it doesn’t require the cool cellar-like conditions that wines often demand, bottles must be stored upright but can be kept in almost any environment.”
Rare Whisky 101’s reports that investment in rare whiskies reached a record high last year. The value in the industry soared by almost 70% and is worth just over £7.5m.
Now less well known brands are appearing in the report showing both rarity and demand for certain bottles from certain distilleries.
Top 10 Single Malt Whiskies to Invest In
Here are the top 10 single malt whiskies with investment potential:
10. Glenugie. Not very well-known in general, but they are highly regarded among whisky connoisseurs, and are becoming very scarce. The distillery was operating from 1831 until 1983. It only bottled a single malt just once while in operation.
9. Mortlach. A favourite among whisky collectors and investors. It’s one of the main whiskies in Johnnie Walker blended Scotch whisky.
8. Convalmore. Founded in 1893, the distillery produced whisky mainly for blends. It is now owned by William Grant & Sons. There have been 2 official bottlings. But the independent bottlings have proved very successful among collectors.
7. The Macallan. This has dropped significantly in the whisky investing market. It used to hold the top position! The brand, though, is still the most sought after single malt whisky on the secondary market, selling the most by volume and value.
6. North Port. No longer distilling whisky, this brand has seen a massive leap in the investing market in recent years. It closed down in 1983.
5. Killyloch. This whisky was mainly distilled to be used in blends. The distillery was shut in 1985. Recently a 36yr old single malt from Killyloch fetch £1,550 at an auction.
4. Port Ellen. One of the most collectible whiskies in the world. The high prices asked by sellers is one of the factors why this has dropped down in the list. It’s an Islay whisky and the distillery closed in 1983.
3. The Balvenie. Recently the distillery bottled 2 50 yr-old single malts at a whopping price of £26,500.
2. The Dalmore. A very collectible brand of Scotch whisky. The Dalmore’s Paterson Collection is the world’s most expensive range of Scotch whisky it will set you back £987,500. The Dalmore whiskies make for a great investment, giving returns up to 200% of its original value.
1. Brora. Also from a dormant distillery, this takes the top spot on the investors’ index from The Macallan. Stocks from the distillery are becoming rarer and rarer.