Not only in the year of 2019 did it out perform all other asset classes, but for the last decade it also has been on top and by a considerable distance too. The value of rare whisky has increased by 586% with the closest in second place being classic cars at 194%. Coins, art and wine make up the rest of the top 5 highest performers over the last decade. 2019 provided another landmark for the whisky market as a new record was set for the most expensive bottle of whisky ever sold – a bottle of 1926 Macallan fetched $1.5million at auction.
It is clear to see that high net worth individuals are prepared to pay top prices for rare and desirable whiskies, with many collectors not only seeking singular bottles but also their own casks which can cost up to seven figure sums to acquire. Moreover, there is a noticeable increase in people educating themselves and sourcing whiskies in order to build their collections and diversify their investment portfolios, with demand for ghost distilleries increasing alongside the desire for ‘in operation’ classics such as Lagavulin and Talisker.