6 tips to protect your whisky collection
In October 2019, a single bottle of Macallan Fine and Rare 60-Year-Old 1926 sold for a record-breaking US$1.9 million, becoming the most expensive bottle of wine or spirit ever auctioned. One year before that, a bottle from the same batch of Macallan sold for US$1.2 million at Christie's in London1.
As headlines announce new benchmarks for whisky, investors and industry leaders are taking note. Whether you’re collecting as a hobby or an investment, you’ll want to protect your whisky by keeping it safe and in good condition while it’s in storage or being transported.
Here are a few tips on how to store your whisky:
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Store bottles of whisky upright and monitor the condition of the cork.
The cork will degrade if in constant contact with the high strength of alcohol in whisky. Over time, it may begin to disintegrate and even transfer unpleasant flavours into the whisky. Bottles should also be stored upright to help protect the condition of the cork.
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Keep whisky in the dark.
Direct sunlight and intense lighting causes a chemical reaction, degrading the delicate flavours of the whisky. Store whisky out of direct light and consider using motion activated lighting to keep light exposure at a minimum.
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Keep the collection consistently cool, but not too cold.
If a collection becomes too cold, it can cause the liquid to become cloudy. Experts recommend storing whisky at a temperature of 15-20°C. If you’re collecting both whisky and wine, you may not want to store them together, since ideal temperatures for whisky are at the higher end of the spectrum for ideal wine storage (around 11-14°C).
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Maintain consistent temperature and humidity.
Fluctuating temperatures and humidity can cause liquid to expand and contract, destabilising the whisky. Excess humidity can cause damage to the labels and degrade the cork. Consider adding climate control notifications to your alarm system, which will alert you if the temperature or humidity in your cellar shift.
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Protect the bottle and label condition.
The condition of the label can impact the bottle’s value. To avoid ripping or scuffing the labels, consider storing whisky bottles in their original cartons or cases.
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Prepare them to be transported.
If your whisky collection is going to travel, make sure the bottles are packed with proper materials including stable, insulating layers that can protect them from getting broken. Optimal travel conditions include a consistent, cool temperature and no harsh light.
If you would like to find out more on how you can protect your whisky collection and other valuable possessions, leave your contact details via the 'Contact Me' button below and our representatives will get in touch with you.
Source:
1 https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/whisky-auction-record-trnd/index.html
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