Rare whisky collectors around the world are hoarding nearly £75million-worth of Scotland’s national drink.
The figure stems from research by valuation service, brokerage and consultancy Rare Whisky 101 (RW101) in partnership with the Whisky Auctioneer website. Collectors have, on average, £50,000-worth of whisky stashed away, RW101 said yesterday.
The survey of 1,542 rare whisky connoisseurs, collectors and investors from around the world revealed some startling new insights.
As well as uncovering the estimated values of individual collections totalling £74.5million and 326,000 bottles, the study found whisky lovers spending, on average, more than £10,000 a year in order to indulge their passion.
A small proportion (1%) are spending more than £100,000 every year on their whisky treasure hunting. The average collection comprises more than 200 bottles, with an average bottle worth £228, while one in 10 collections is worth more than £100,000.
The Macallan is the most popular brand for acquisition, closely followed by Ardbeg, Highland Park and Springbank.
RW101 co-founder David Robertson said: “Whisky enthusiasts are prepared to invest serious sums in growing their rare whisky portfolios.”
Meanwhile, Elgin-based whisky specialist Gordon and MacPhail is celebrating winning gold in the Scotch category of the prestigious Spirits Design Masters 2017 competition.
The packaging award was for the firm’s rare wartime whisky, Private Collection Glenlivet 1943, which comes presented in a handcrafted wooden box.