DISCOVER THE LEGACY
The history
of Whisky
Whisky or whiskey is a type of liquor made from fermented grain mash. Various grains (which may be malted) are used for different varieties, including barley, corn, rye, and wheat. Whisky is typically aged in wooden casks, which are typically made of charred white oak. Uncharred white oak casks previously used for the aging of port, rum or sherry are also sometimes used.
18th century
In 1707, the Acts of Union merged England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain, and thereafter taxes on distilled spirits rose dramatically. Following parliament’s divisive malt tax of 1725, most of Scotland’s distillation was either shut down or forced underground. Scotch whisky was hidden under altars, in coffins, and in any available space to avoid the governmental excisemen or revenuers.
19th century
A man pours some whisky into a flask in this 1869 oil painting by Scottish artist Erskine Nicol.
The drinking of Scotch whisky was introduced to India in the nineteenth century. The first distillery in India was built by Edward Dyer at Kasauli in the late 1820s. The operation was soon shifted to nearby Solan (close to the British summer capital Shimla), as there was an abundant supply of fresh spring water there.
20th century
During the Prohibition era in the United States lasting from 1920 to 1933, all alcohol sales were banned in the country. The federal government made an exemption for whisky prescribed by a doctor and sold through licensed pharmacies, such as Walgreens.
The Art of Collecting Whisky
Curating a Timeless Whisky Collection
Whisky, especially Scotch and bourbon, is one of the most popular spirits for investment. Collectors often seek out limited editions, single malts, and rare bottles from renowned distilleries. Brands like Macallan, Ardbeg, and Pappy Van Winkle are particularly coveted.
Why Build a Whisky Portfolio?
A growing number of collectors are turning to Whisky due to several key factors:
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Industry Growth: The Whisky industry continues to see significant growth, with demand increasing across both established and emerging markets. Whisky casks, particularly those from premium regions, have proven to appreciate in value over time.
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A Safe-Haven: Whisky has become a safe-haven for collectors, often regarded as a stable asset that does not correlate with traditional financial markets. This makes it an attractive option for portfolio diversification, especially during times of economic uncertainty.
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Protection Against Market Volatility: While stock markets can be volatile, Whisky offers a more secure portfolio, with its value driven by supply and demand rather than the fluctuations of the broader economy.
