All Irish whiskey and Scotch whisky has been aged for at least three years in wooden casks before being bottled. That’s the legal minimum. Some bottles have what is called a statement of age. A bottle that has 10-year-old on the label means the youngest whiskey used is at least 10 years old. But once whiskey (or any other spirit) is bottled it ceases to mature and will remain exactly the same for decades to come. An unopened 10-year-old whiskey will still be a 10-year-old whiskey even if you squirrel it away for 20 more years. Unlike wine, it will also keep indefinitely once opened.
Wine is lower in alcohol and matures both in a barrel as it comes into contact with oxygen, and in the bottle, as it contains a small amount of air. It also begins to deteriorate the minute you open it.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t collect whiskey, however. Most distilleries sell a range of limited releases, once-off whiskeys made in small quantities. This can be their oldest, rarest whiskeys or a single barrel containing a few hundred bottles. Some become highly sought-after or collectible and can be sold at a profit through online auctions. It is usually the most expensive, rarest whiskeys that give the best return. However, larger distilleries change their labels and bottle shape on a regular basis, and old versions of inexpensive brands can also become collector’s items.
As with all investments, it is essential to do a bit of research before buying. Remember, too, that once you open your bottle to take a sip, it may keep for a few years, but it loses its value immediately.
