What are the top 5 Irish Whiskeys for Investment? Expert Tips on Finding the Best Whiskey to Invest in
To diversify your portfolio, look no further than Irish whiskey, one of the best alternative investments available. With a proven track record of increasing in value over time, Irish cask whiskey offers a unique opportunity to capitalise on a premium product that’s collectible and rare.
Irish whiskey has been a popular spirit for centuries and is enjoying a revival in recent years. With its rich, smooth taste and growing demand, the best Irish whiskey has become an attractive alternative asset for many, be it in the form of casks or bottles. But with so many top Irish whiskeys to choose from, it’s little wonder that so many clients want to know the top whiskey brands to place your money into. In this blog, we’ll look at the top 5 Irish whiskeys ranked, as well as some expert tips on finding the perfect whiskey for investment.
- Redbreast 21-Year-Old
Taste is subjective and personal preference should be the ultimate factor in determining the best Irish whiskey for you. However, if your question is what is the top-rated whiskey from Ireland, then based on reputation, rarity, age, and flavour profile, the best Irish whiskey for the money, we believe, is Redbreast 21-Year-Old, a single pot still whiskey that’s been aged for 21 years.
As collectors looking for the best luxury whiskey will tell you, it’s highly sought after by connoisseurs, and it’s an excellent option. The ageing process gives it a rich, complex flavour profile, with notes of tropical fruit, honey, and spice. Plus it’s a whiskey that’s won numerous awards and is highly respected by Irish whiskey connoisseurs.
Redbreast 21-Year-Old is also a rare Irish whiskey, with limited quantities available. This rarity adds to its appeal, as its limited availability means that its value is likely to continue on an upward trajectory.
- Teeling Vintage Reserve 24-Year-Old
Teeling Vintage Reserve 24-Year-Old is another rare, highly collectible Irish whiskey, in this case one that’s been aged for more than two decades in ex-bourbon barrels. The ageing process gives it a complex, multi-layered flavour profile, with notes of toffee, caramel, and spice. And because it’s a single malt whiskey, it’s been made entirely from malted barley, giving the whiskey its distinct taste. It’s full-bodied but smooth.
Teeling Vintage Reserve 24-Year-Old is also a limited edition whiskey, with only a small number of casks and bottles released each year, enhancing its status as a rare whiskey investment. This rarity adds to its value, as the limited availability means that it’s likely to continue increasing in value over time. Its scarcity of supply drives up the demand for this particular expression of whiskey from such a prestigious brand.
- Midleton Very Rare
Midleton Very Rare is a premium blended Irish whiskey made from a blend of rare and mature whiskeys, each aged for a minimum of 12 years, with some of the components aged for up to 30 years or more. The use of older whiskeys in the blend adds depth and complexity to the flavour profile of Midleton Very Rare, with the wood, the previous contents and the environmental conditions of the casks in which the whiskey was aged all having a powerful influence on the ultimate complexity of the final product.
The annual release of Midleton Very Rare is highly anticipated by whiskey enthusiasts and collectors around the world, with each new vintage eagerly awaited.
- Bushmills 21-Year-Old Single Malt
Bushmills is another well-known Irish whiskey brand, and their 21-Year-Old Single Malt is a premium whiskey that connoisseurs enthuse about for good reason. It’s aged for 21 years in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, giving it a layered flavour profile with notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and spice. Like the Teeling Vintage Reserve 24-Year-Old, it’s a single malt whiskey made entirely from malted barley, hence its distinct flavour. This is a sophisticated Irish whiskey with a delicate sweetness, a lingering finish and a pleasant warmth.
Bushmills 21-Year-Old Single Malt is also a limited edition whiskey, with only a small number of bottles released each year. Its limited availability, combined with its high quality and exceptional taste, creates a sense of exclusivity and prestige that further drives up demand and price. These factors make it a promising asset for those looking to acquire a rare and valuable spirit.
- Jameson 18-Year-Old Limited Reserve
Jameson is one of the most well-known whiskey brands in the world, with a long and rich history, dating back to 1780 when it was first established in Dublin, Ireland, and has built a reputation for quality, consistency, and innovation. With only a small number of 18-Year-Old whiskeys produced each year, this rarity adds to its value, as the limited availability means that it’s likely to appreciate in value over time.
A blended Irish whiskey aged for 18 years in a combination of American oak barrels and sherry casks, it has a smooth, mellow flavour with notes of vanilla and spice. Jameson 18-Year-Old Limited Reserve is also relatively affordable compared to some of the other premium Irish whiskeys on this list, and has won numerous awards.
Expert Tips On Finding The Best Whiskey To Purchase
Look for limited edition and rare casks
Limited edition whiskey is always in high demand. These whiskeys are often released in small quantities, making them even more collectible and valuable than most because they’re so difficult to obtain, and often with a flavour that can’t be found with standard offerings.
Consider the age of the whiskey
Generally, the older the whiskey, the more valuable it’s likely to be. This is because the longer the whiskey ages, the more pronounced, complex and unique its flavour profile becomes. As whiskey ages, a portion of it is also lost due to evaporation, which is commonly referred to as the ‘angel’s share’. This means that there is even less whiskey available from each batch as it gets older.
Seek out whiskey from reputable distilleries
Reputable distilleries tend to have a long history and track record of producing high-quality whiskey. They have a reputation to maintain, so they’re more likely to take care in their production process and use high-quality ingredients. They also often have master distillers or blenders who are experts in their craft. These individuals have years of experience and expertise in creating exceptional whiskeys, and they use their knowledge to ensure that the whiskey is of the highest quality.
Consider the current market demand
Current market demand can provide an indication of the quality and popularity of a particular whiskey. If a whiskey is in high demand, it may be because it’s received positive reviews and is highly regarded by whiskey enthusiasts. Conversely, if a whiskey is not in high demand, it may be because it’s not well-regarded or has received negative reviews. Which sounds obvious, but it’s something that’s always worth remembering. Current market demand can also provide insights into a whiskey’s potential future value. If a whiskey is currently in high demand, it may continue to appreciate in value over time, making it a solid asset.
Work with a reputable whiskey investment company
Buying Irish whiskey requires expert guidance, so it’s important to work with a reputable whiskey asset company that has deep experience within the industry. Whiskey & Wealth Club, the market-leader in cask whiskey asset capitalisation, can provide you with valuable insights on market trends and assist you when navigating the complex world of Irish whiskey assets.
Consider the distilling process
The value of a whiskey cask depends on the quality of the whiskey it contains – which is heavily influenced by the distilling process. The distilling process involves various stages, including fermentation, distillation, and ageing, all of which can have an impact on the final product’s taste, aroma, texture and market value. Additionally, some distilleries use unique ageing techniques, such as ageing the whiskey in special casks, which can add to its value as a collectible item.
Capitalise in a variety of whiskeys
By investing in different cask whiskeys, you can capture the potential appreciation of various types that may appreciate in value at different rates. And with a diverse range of cask whiskeys, you’re able to develop a deeper understanding of the market and the factors that influence it. Plus, having a variety of cask whiskeys in your portfolio offers the flexibility to sell those that are in higher demand or have appreciated more rapidly, while retaining others that may have more potential for future growth.
Do your research
When approaching the query, “What is the top-rated whiskey?”, bear in mind that purchasing Irish cask and bottled whiskey can be a complex process, so it’s important to do your research before making any decisions. Read up on the history of Irish whiskey, learn about the different distilleries and their products, and stay up to date on the latest trends and developments in the industry by speaking with the experts at Whiskey & Wealth Club. By staying informed, you can make better decisions and maximise your chances of success.
Be patient
Purchasing Irish cask whiskey is a long-term process for those that invest in whiskey, requiring patience to see a potential increase in the value of your portfolio. While some casks may increase in value quickly, others may take years to significantly appreciate in value. Generally, as those who buy rare whiskey know, older whiskeys are considered to be more valuable because they’ve had more time to mature and develop complex flavours. Equally, whiskeys that are popular with consumers or that have won awards may increase in value more quickly than those that are less well-known. Trends in the whiskey market can also impact the value of casks. For example, if there’s a sudden surge in demand for whiskeys aged in a particular type of cask, casks of that type may appreciate in value more quickly. By being patient and holding onto your assets, you can potentially bolster your returns and build a valuable collection of rare and collectible Irish whiskey assets.
Conclusion
Irish cask whiskey offers purchasers a special opportunity to capitalise in an extraordinary secondary asset class with a proven track record. By following these expert tips and buying the top five Irish whiskeys available, you could build a valuable collection of rare and highly collectible whiskeys with the potential to significantly appreciate in value over time. To find out more about the best rare Irish whiskey to capitalise in, contact our Account Managers on 020 3129 1639 today.
