How To Start A Whiskey Collection: Tips For Beginners (2025)

So, you’ve decided to start a whiskey collection. Maybe you fell in love with a peaty Scotch at a friend’s dinner party, or perhaps a bartender convinced you to try a small-batch bourbon that changed your life. Either way, you’re about to enter a world filled with history, craftsmanship, and—let’s be honest—some pretty overwhelming choices.

But don’t worry. You don’t need a trust fund or a custom-built whiskey vault to build a solid collection. Whether you're in it for the enjoyment, the investment, or just to impress your friends at dinner parties, here’s a practical (and slightly irreverent) guide to getting started.

Start with What You Like (Not What’s Trending)

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype. Every few months, a new “must-have” bottle appears on social media, and suddenly everyone is scrambling to buy it. But if you don’t actually enjoy drinking that super-limited, impossible-to-find whiskey, what’s the point?

Instead, start with what you like. Do you enjoy smoky Scotch? Sweet, caramel-laced bourbons? Spicy ryes? Sample different styles and take notes—literal notes, not just a mental tally after a few pours. This will help you understand your own preferences and build a collection that you’ll actually want to drink.

Variety Is Key (But You Don’t Need 100 Bottles)

A great whiskey collection isn’t about sheer quantity—it’s about balance. Think of it like a well-stocked bar, but more focused. Aim for a mix of styles:

• Bourbon: A solid, everyday bottle plus something a little fancier for special occasions.
• Rye: A spicy contrast to bourbon, great for cocktails and sipping.
• Scotch: Try a Highland or Speyside for an approachable start, then branch into peatier options.
• Irish Whiskey: A smooth, easy-drinking staple.
• World Whiskey: There’s great whiskey coming from Japan, India, and even unexpected places like Sweden and Australia.

You don’t need to buy everything at once. Build slowly, focusing on quality over quantity.

Don’t Fall for the “Collecting” Trap (Drink Your Whiskey)

A collection isn’t just about displaying bottles like rare artifacts. Whiskey is meant to be enjoyed. Sure, some bottles might increase in value over time, but most whiskey isn’t a retirement plan—it’s a drink. If you love a bottle, open it.

If you do want to keep a few bottles unopened for potential future value, that’s fine. Just make sure you’re collecting because you love whiskey, not because you’re hoping to strike gold in a decade.

Learn a Bit About Storage (It’s Easier Than You Think)

Whiskey storage isn’t as finicky as wine, but a little care goes a long way. Keep these basic rules in mind:

• Avoid direct sunlight. UV rays can mess with the whiskey’s flavor over time.
• Store bottles upright. Unlike wine, whiskey bottles should never be stored on their sides—the high alcohol content can degrade the cork.
• Maintain a stable temperature. Extreme heat or cold can expand and contract the liquid, which isn’t great for long-term storage.

If you’re worried about presentation, a simple shelf or bar cart works just fine. No need for a climate-controlled whiskey bunker (unless that’s your thing).

Know When to Splurge (and When to Save)

Not every great whiskey is expensive, and not every expensive whiskey is great. Some hidden gems are sitting on liquor store shelves for $40, while some sought-after bottles are more about hype than quality.

A good rule of thumb: Have a mix of everyday sippers, mid-range bottles for sharing, and maybe one or two special occasion whiskeys. There’s no need to chase every limited release—plenty of outstanding bottles are readily available.

Make Friends with Your Local Liquor Store

A good relationship with a liquor store owner or whiskey specialist can go a long way. They’ll help you discover new releases, steer you away from overpriced bottles, and sometimes even tip you off when something special comes in.

Plus, talking whiskey with a knowledgeable person is a great way to learn more without getting lost in the endless internet rabbit hole of reviews and rankings.

Keep Track of What You Have (and What You Want)

You don’t need an elaborate spreadsheet (unless that’s your vibe), but some organization helps. Whether it’s a simple notes app or a whiskey-tracking app, keeping track of your collection can prevent you from accidentally buying the same bottle three times.

It’s also a good way to remind yourself of what you’ve enjoyed and what you’d like to add next.

Enjoy the Ride (and Don’t Take It Too Seriously)

Whiskey collecting should be fun. It’s easy to get caught up in debates about the “best” bourbon or whether an age statement really matters, but at the end of the day, it’s all about what you enjoy.

So sip, explore, and don’t stress about having the “perfect” collection. If your whiskey shelf makes you happy, you’re doing it right.

Want to add a whiskey to your collection but not sure where to start? A bottle of Buffalo Trace bourbon, Redbreast 12-year Irish whiskey, or a bottle of Lagavulin 16 is never a bad idea. Cheers!