Collections

6 tips to protect your whiskey collection

pouring whiskey to the glass

In October 2019, a single bottle of Macallan Fine and Rare 60-Year-Old 1926 sold for a record-breaking $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 $1.2 million at auction.

 

As headlines announce new benchmarks for whiskey, investors and industry leaders are taking note. Whether you’re collecting as a hobby or an investment, you’ll want to protect your whiskey 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 whiskey:

1. Store bottles of whiskey upright and monitor the condition of the cork.

The cork will degrade if in constant contact with the high strength of alcohol in whiskey. Over time, it may begin to disintegrate and even transfer unpleasant flavors into the whiskey. Bottles should be stored upright to help protect the condition of the cork. 

2. Keep whiskey in the dark.

Direct sunlight and intense lighting causes a chemical reaction, degrading the delicate flavors of the whiskey. Store whiskey out of direct light and consider using motion activated lighting to keep light exposure at a minimum. 

3. 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 whiskey at a temperature of 59-68°F. If you’re collecting both whiskey and wine, you may not want to store them together, since ideal temperatures for whiskey are at the higher end of the spectrum for ideal wine storage. 

4. Maintain consistent temperature and humidity.

Fluctuating temperatures and humidity can cause liquid to expand and contract, destabilizing the whiskey. 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. 

5. 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 whiskey bottles in their original cartons or cases.

6. Prepare them to be transported.

If your whiskey 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.

Insights and expertise

We help you stay ahead and informed with these helpful tips and tricks for protecting your home, car, and more.
luxury valuables collection
Jewelry
How the Next Generation is Collecting and Protecting Valuables Online
Buying luxury items online? Learn the risks, how to verify authenticity, protect your valuables from theft, and why valuable articles insurance matters.
pouring a glass of wine
Collections
9 things to consider when purchasing wine or spirits online
You may be comfortable buying clothes, electronics, or even groceries online, but what about wine and spirits?
outdoor sculpture
Collections
10 things to consider when selecting, installing, and maintaining outdoor sculpture
Whether you’re looking for a new stone sculpture for your garden or adding to a collection of bronze statues, here are a few tips you might want to consider before making an outdoor sculpture purchase.
wine barrels
Collections
10 questions to ask when selecting a wine storage facility
Before you cellar your collection at a wine storage facility, confirm that the facility is committed to maintaining ideal storage conditions and has taken all the necessary precautions to protect your wine.
whisky with ice cubes
Collections
Whisky is the new wine tips for collecting one of the most popular spirits
With the price of rare whisky on the rise, connoisseurs and collectors are turning to scotch (Scottish whisky) and bourbon (Irish or Kentucky whiskey) as the newest liquid investment.
blue artwork
Collections
What the next generation of art collectors should know about risk
New media, new genres, and new sales channels are just a few of the ways in which art collecting can differ for the next generation of collectors.
painting close view
Collections
Your art may be worth more than you think
You receive financial “appraisals” of your investments every month in the form of brokerage statements, so why would you ignore a potentially large asset like art and collectibles?
vintage sport equipments
Collections
How to handle and display your sports memorabilia for best results
Whether you prefer baseball cards, football jerseys, or other sports-related collectibles, how you handle and display your sports memorabilia can affect their value over time.

Find an Agent

Speak to an independent agent about your insurance needs.