Easy Money: The Best Investment Whiskeys of 2024

While most whiskies are crafted to be savored, there exists an elite selection so prestigious that collectors would rather admire them than uncork their prized bottles. These exceptional whiskies are not just beverages but valuable assets, with the potential for substantial returns making them a coveted choice for investors looking to diversify their portfolios. Factors such as rarity, limited edition status, age, and historical significance contribute to their appreciation in value over time. In 2024, certain whiskies stand out as prime investment opportunities, each representing a blend of tradition, quality, and exclusivity. Join us as we explore the top 10 investment whiskies of this year, highlighting why these exceptional bottles are worth more than just a taste.

Why Invest in Whisky? 

Investing in whisky offers a unique and lucrative opportunity for those looking to diversify their portfolios. Unlike stocks and other financial instruments, the value of whisky often remains stable or even appreciates regardless of macroeconomic fluctuations. This resilience makes it a solid hedge against economic volatility. Rare Whisky (RW) 101's Apex 1000 index, which aims to track the top collectible whiskies, has seen gains of over 415% since 2013. In comparison, the S&P 500 achieved roughly a 178% return over the same time period. Moreover, whisky has the potential for high returns, with rare and limited-edition bottles consistently appreciating in value over time. As a tangible asset, whisky provides the added benefit of physical ownership, combining the pleasure of collecting with financial gain. For investors seeking a blend of passion and profit, whisky represents an exceptional and rewarding investment choice.

Weller Millenium

Just six months after the highly coveted release of Double Eagle Very Rare, Buffalo Trace Distillery has announced that it will be introducing another ultra-aged expression, this time as part of its iconic W. L. Weller lineup. Named after William Larue Weller, a distiller throughout the late 1800s, Buffalo Trace releases various beloved Weller expressions including W.L Weller Antique, W.L Weller Full Proof, W.L Weller Special Reserve, W.L Weller 12 Year, W.L Weller C.Y.P.B, W.L Weller Single Barrel, William Larue Weller, and Daniel Weller. 

Weller Millenium is the brand’s oldest expression to date. This luxurious blend of straight wheated bourbon and straight wheat whiskeys was first laid down at the turn of the millenium, with barrels from four different years—2000, 2003, 2005, and 2006—creating a complex profile with the youngest component being 18 years old.

Expected to be released in June 2024 with an MSRP of $7,500, this release is produced in extremely limited quantities making it a prized possession for collectors. The unique blend and historical significance of Weller Millennium not only honor Buffalo Trace's heritage but also offer substantial potential for value appreciation, marking it as a top investment whiskey of 2024.

Blanton’s LMDW 2023

Whisky investors and bourbon aficionados are well acquainted with the Blanton’s brand. Produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, Blanton’s is the quintessential single-barrel bourbon and is beloved worldwide. Among Blanton’s impressive lineup, the La Maison du Whisky range stands out as some of the brand’s most exclusive and coveted releases. 

Released annually and exclusive to the French alcohol retailer La Maison du Whisky, the Blanton’s LMDW range features rare whiskey pulled from a single barrel aged in Warehouse H at Buffalo Trace and produced in extremely limited quantities. 

Blanton’s LMDW 2023 River Edition honors the significant rivers flowing through Frankfort, Kentucky, and Paris, France. The eye-catching design features a bright blue illustrated ribbon of water on both the black gift box and bottle label, along with a silver holographic emblem paying homage to the iconic bridges over the Seine and Kentucky Rivers. Adorned with Blanton's classic gold wax and the collectible gold horse stopper, this edition is a visual and sensory delight.

As a Single Barrel bourbon, each bottle of the River Edition varies in proof, ranging from 100 proof to cask strength, depending on the unique profile of each barrel selected by Blanton's and La Maison du Whisky. Produced in extremely limited quantities, with each barrel yielding less than 250 bottles, the Blanton’s LMDW 2023 River Edition is a worthy addition to any whiskey investment portfolio.

Buffalo Trace O.F.C 1996

It’s not every day you see a new Old Fashioned Copper Release, and this 1996 distilled 28 year old bourbon whiskey, bottled at 90-proof, is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive, limited releases of 2024 with just 63 bottles available worldwide.

This limited-edition bourbon commemorates the legacy of the O.F.C. Distillery, founded by the legendary Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. in 1870, and now known as Buffalo Trace Distillery. This 1996 vintage is encased in a bespoke wooden box and housed in a hand-cut crystal decanter, each meticulously labeled with its distillation date.

The meticulous craftsmanship, combined with the bourbon’s rich history and superior aging process, ensures it not only delivers an unparalleled tasting experience but also promises substantial investment returns. The prestige and limited availability of this bourbon make it a highly desirable addition to any whiskey portfolio, highlighting its potential for significant appreciation in value.

Macallan Distil Your World Mexico

The Macallan is one of the most storied Scotch distilleries and producers of top-shelf whisky. The distillery puts out several limited releases per year. Whisky investors attempt to get their hands on these offerings via a ballot system. If you aren’t one of the lucky few to be offered a procurement, then it’s off to the races with the second and third-hand sellers.

The Macallan Distil Your World Mexico Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the third release in the prestigious Distil Your World series, following the highly coveted 'London' and 'New York’ editions. The series features single malt Scotch whiskies celebrating the food and culture from different locations throughout the world. This limited edition single malt celebrates the spirit of Mexico and is one of only 2,500 bottles released globally.

Another upcoming Macallan release to keep your eye out for is the Archival Folio 8 Series. The Archival Series is a limited edition collection of single malt Scotch whiskies, celebrating the advertisements that has defined The Macallan throughout the distillery’s storied history. Previous releases such as The Macallan Archival Folio Series 1 have an annualized return of 40.90% according to Whisky Returns. 

Jack Daniel’s Aged Series 14 Year Old 

Renowned for producing the world’s best selling American whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, in recent years the iconic Tennessee distiller has begun releasing limited editions catering to more hardcore whiskey aficionados.

First launched in 2021, the Aged Series is among Jack Daniel's most highly coveted whiskeys ever released. Jack Daniels has released 10 Year Old and 12 Year Old limited edition expressions, which have sold out almost immediately after hitting the market, and this year they are expected to release their oldest expression yet with a 14 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey. 

Given the overwhelming demand for previous aged releases and the significance of this being the oldest Jack Daniel's in recent memory, investors can expect immense demand and substantial returns on this exceptional release.

Yamazaki 25 Year Old

If you're looking to diversify your whiskey portfolio, look no further than the allure of the Far East with Suntory. Suntory’s Yamazaki distillery, renowned as Japan's oldest malt distillery, produces some of the world's most sought-after whiskies. 

The pinnacle of their range is The Yamazaki 25 Year Old. Having won several awards, including the World’s Best Single Malt Whisky in 2012, it stands as a testament to Suntory’s relentless pursuit of perfection, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to quality.

For investors, its increasing rarity is key, with an annualized return of 19.05% since 2015, making it a masterpiece not just for its flavor, but for its investment potential.

Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond 25th Anniversary Edition

Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond 25th Anniversary Bourbon is the latest gem in the prestigious Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond collection, renowned for its bi-annual spring and fall releases. However, this edition stands out as a "Very Very Special" (VVS) release, an honor previously bestowed only twice in the line’s seven-year history.

This maroon-labeled, 13-year-old bourbon marks the 25th anniversary of Heaven Hill's acquisition of the historic Bernheim Distillery. Barreled in September 1999, just six months after the Bernheim acquisition, this 100-proof bourbon embodies a pivotal moment in the distillery's storied legacy.

With a limited run and a suggested retail price of $299.99, Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond 25th Anniversary Edition is a collector’s dream, offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of bourbon history. If you come across this unicorn bottle at its retail price, it's a must-buy for any serious whiskey investor.

Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Triumph 

The latest limited edition release in the highly collectible, annual Master’s Keep series, Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Triumph is the oldest age-stated rye whiskey ever released by the renowned Kentucky distiller.

Only the second rye whiskey to be released within the series, following Master's Keep Cornerstone in 2019, Triumph is aged for 10 years and bottled at 104-proof. Building upon the high standard set by Cornerstone and other Wild Turkey fan favorites such as 101 Rye and Rare Breed Rye, Triumph serves as an evolution of the distillery's rye craftsmanship. 

The limited nature of the Master’s Keep series and the cult-like following of Wild Turkey make each release in the series a great short to medium-term investment. Previous releases in the series such as Master’s Keep Voyage, Master’s Keep Unforgotten, Master’s Keep One, Master’s Keep 17 Year Old Bottled-In-Bond and Master’s Keep Revival appreciate in value significantly, with some releases now commanding a price more than double MSRP. With an MSRP of $275 for Triumph, expect this price to rise significantly on the secondary market. 

Hibiki 17

Originally released in 1994, Hibiki 17 is a highly-collectible gem from Suntory that goes beyond mere sipping to become a worthwhile investment. This award-winning whisky, crowned the World's Best Blended Whisky in 2017, is composed of a blend of single malt and grain whiskies, each aged for a minimum of 17 years and married in dual select casks. Bottled at 43% ABV, Hibiki 17 showcases Suntory's masterful blending and aging techniques. 

Discontinued in 2018 and hard to find outside Japan, it has become an exceptionally coveted acquisition for whisky lovers and investors alike. Notably, Hibiki 17 has seen an impressive annualized return of 17.13% since 2015, making it a promising asset for those seeking substantial returns due to its increasing rarity and esteemed reputation. 

*Please note, this is not financial advice. All returns data has been sourced from https://whiskyreturns.com/best-returns-whiskies-top-list-secondary-market/