It is undeniable that collectibles have matured from hobby into an alternative asset class. This means that high-end collectibles compete for the same capital that would otherwise be invested into stocks, bonds and real estate. And it is quite common for collectors with a passion have to compete against investors seeking a profit for the same exact asset. One less followed sector within collectibles is the wine and spirits category.

Investing in Scotch whisky has been around for some time, but what about in good old American bourbon? This will present some challenges that are not inherent to other collectibles. Most people who buy fine art or high-end sports collectibles probably aren’t tempted to consume them.

Certain bourbons like Pappy Van Winkle, Blanton’s and WhistlePig are very well known high-end bourbons. It is easy to spend $300 to $1,000 for a bottle of these. There are also options to go much higher in price (see below). The real question looking into the coming years is whether or not some of the small batch bourbons will become good investments or not.

Basil Hayden whiskey has a new small batch aged whiskey. The whiskey has been part of the Jim Beam Small Batch Collection since 1992. The Robb Report notes a high rye mash bill and bottling at 80 proof have turned some bourbon fans away. Here are some other ways it measures up to other whiskey investments.

Collectors Dashboard evaluates collectibles as an alternative asset class, including whiskey (or whisky). This means collectibles are attracting the same capital that could have been invested into stocks or bonds. Collectors with a passion to own high-end whiskey may have to compete directly against investors whose only desire is to make a profit in the future.

Whiskey varies in price but can all be found at Total Wine. Here some additional whiskey prices from the website of Total Wine.

• 750ml WhistlePig 10 year straight rye sells for $72.99
• 750ml WhistlePig 15 year straight rye sells for $219.99
• 750ml WhistlePig 18 year double malt rye sells for $379.99

Blantons original single barrel bourbon can be found here for $187.99. Caskers is an online outlet for whiskey and lists these other products for sale by Blanton’s:

• Blanton’s Special Reserve Bourbon Whiskey for $286.99
• Blanton’s Straight from the barrel bourbon whiskey for $439.99
• Blanton’s gold edition bourbon whiskey for $429.99

Pappy Van Winkle prices are as follows:

• 750ml Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20 year old bourbon whiskey for $4,500.00
• 750ml Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 year old bourbon $2,800.00
• 750ml Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 year old bourbon $6,500.00

The website for Worth magazine published in early 2021 that now is the time to start investing in whiskey. It is no secret that bourbon prices have risen over time, but that doesn’t assure that they can be resold for higher prices down the road.

Drinking your collection could be a real risk for some collectors. Collectors Dashboard remembers the old expression of buying two bottles for that very reason. Basil Hayden Toast may be an exciting new opportunity for whiskey collectors. Whether or not it and more small batch bourbons will make for a good investment remains to be seen.