Whether you’re a casual sipper or someone who’s fallen down the rabbit hole of whisky fascination, starting your own collection is a fun and rewarding journey. It’s not just about amassing bottles—it’s about discovering flavours, learning stories behind the distilleries, and maybe even finding a few gems along the way.

If you’re wondering where to begin, here’s a simple guide to help you kick off your whisky collection with confidence.

1. Define Your Whisky Style

Before you start buying everything in sight, spend a little time getting to know what you actually like. Do you lean toward the smoky, peaty drams of Islay? Prefer the smooth, fruity notes of Japanese whisky? Or maybe a bold Kentucky bourbon is more your vibe. Try tasting a few different styles to figure out your preferences—that’ll guide your early buys.

2. Start with 5 Foundational Bottles

A good starter collection doesn’t need to be huge. Here’s a suggestion to cover a range of profiles:

• A Scotch single malt (e.g. Glenmorangie 10, Macallan 12)

• A peaty Islay whisky (e.g. Laphroaig 10 or Ardbeg 10)

• A Japanese whisky (e.g. Nikka From the Barrel or Yamazaki 12)

• A bourbon (e.g. Buffalo Trace or Four Roses Single Barrel)

• An Irish whiskey (e.g. Redbreast 12 or Green Spot)

This mix gives you diversity in flavour, region, and production style—all great conversation starters too.

3. Set a Budget and Pace Yourself

Whisky collecting can get expensive fast. It’s easy to get excited and go overboard, especially when limited editions or hype bottles pop up. Set a monthly budget or limit yourself to a few bottles per season. That way, you can savour each new addition and avoid burning out your wallet.

4. Store Your Bottles Properly

Keep your whisky out of direct sunlight and in a cool, stable environment. Upright storage is key to avoid damaging the corks. If you’re planning to keep bottles sealed long-term, consider investing in a dedicated cabinet or shelf for both protection and display.

5. Keep Notes

Start a simple tasting journal or spreadsheet to track what you’ve tried and what you’ve collected. Note the flavours you taste, how you drank it (neat, with water, in a cocktail), and whether you’d buy it again. Over time, this will sharpen your palate and help you spot patterns in what you enjoy.

6. Mix Drinkers and Displayers

Some bottles are meant to be opened and shared. Others might be saved for a special occasion—or even for value appreciation. There’s no shame in having both kinds in your collection. Just make sure you’re collecting for you, not just the Instagram likes or auction resale value.

7. Join the Community

Whisky lovers are a passionate bunch. Join forums, social media groups, or attend local tastings and festivals. You’ll learn tons, discover new drams, and maybe even swap samples or bottles with fellow collectors.

Final Sip

Starting a whisky collection should be fun, not intimidating. It’s your personal journey—whether it’s five bottles or fifty, high-end or humble. Focus on what you love, keep learning, and let your collection grow naturally over time. Most importantly? Don’t forget to enjoy the whisky!