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Whisky collection is time – and money – well spent


By Matt MacPherson

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Rare whisky can be a good investment.
Rare whisky can be a good investment.

I’ve never been the best at saving money but, equally, I wouldn’t describe myself as careless with my finances – though I certainly buy things I don’t always need.

That statement is very true when it comes to collectable whisky. I promise myself I won’t buy the next release but somehow it turns up at my door.

They always come very well packaged in beautifully designed boxes, I take them out for a quick inspection, put them back in the box and tuck them away somewhere safe. It’s pretty much Pokémon cards for grown-ups.

It was during lockdown I pulled out my collection and, while being alarmed at how much whisky I had bought over the years, I was delighted when I discovered their current values on auction sites.

So what’s the point in this weeks article I hear you cry?

Everyone's financial situation has been rocked by the virus and some people are great at putting money away for unforeseen circumstances while others, like me, are possibly overly optimistic and think it won’t happen to them.

Well, it happened to everyone and my source of income completely stopped for four months, so I had to rely on my savings, which for me was my whisky collection. I sold some whisky at auction which helped me clear my feet of the living expenses we all deal with.

The point I’m trying to make is that collectable whisky can be a really good investment. Firstly, if you buy a £1000 bottle of whisky that money is locked in. The majority of us wouldn’t and couldn’t afford to drink such an expensive bottle personally.

Side note – make sure it’s well hidden. I’ve heard countless horror stories of parties that have opened the wrong bottle through drunken bravado!

Secondly, the value of your investment will more than likely increase. The Bank of England base rate is currently 0.1 per cent, which is not an attractive number for your savings. Even the most risk-averse individual would struggle to see any value in putting your money in a savings account.

The world is struggling financially and buying expensive whisky seems extravagant but actually it makes a pretty good rainy-day fund. Failing that you could always go out in style with a large dram of your 40-year-old single malt and, if so, I want an invitation!


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