Aged to Perfection: Why You Should Consider Investing in Whisky

When I tell people that I recently bought 15 barrels of whisky, the reactions range from surprise to curiosity. Why whisky? The answer, like many investments, lies in a combination of fun, foresight, and financial strategy.

1. Learning Something New Outside My Comfort Zone

As an entrepreneur and marketer, I’m always looking to expand my horizons. Whisky was something completely outside my typical knowledge base, yet it intrigued me. The world of whisky production, aging, and market value is rich with history and complexity. Investing in whisky gave me an opportunity to dive into a new industry, adding to my personal growth while keeping things exciting. It’s important to step outside of your comfort zone sometimes—not just in business, but in life.

2. Hedging Against Inflation

Inflation is a concern for all investors. Traditional investments like stocks or bonds can fluctuate wildly based on inflationary pressures, but whisky barrels offer a unique hedge. As the whisky ages, it not only increases in quality but also in value. Historically, whisky has performed well during inflationary periods because it's a finite resource, with demand often outstripping supply. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that many see it as a luxury item with evergreen appeal.

3. Diversifying My Investments

Diversification is a cornerstone of sound investing. While I’ve made my share of investments in stocks, real estate, and businesses, I wanted to explore alternative assets. Whisky represents a physical, tangible asset that appreciates over time. By diversifying into an asset like whisky, I’m not putting all my eggs in one basket—I'm spreading risk across different types of investments that don’t correlate directly with traditional markets.

4. Recession-Proof (to an Extent)

No investment is 100% recession-proof, but certain assets, like whisky, are better insulated from market downturns. During recessions, people still enjoy luxury goods. Premium items can even become more desirable as people look for ways to indulge or invest in things they can hold onto. Whisky, much like fine art or rare wine, tends to hold its value and even increase as it ages, regardless of what’s happening in the broader economy.

5. Doing Something Fun with Friends

Whisky is inherently social. The idea of co-investing with a group of friends added another layer of enjoyment to this investment. We’re not just thinking about the long-term returns, but also about the experience. It's about savoring the journey and celebrating milestones. There’s something powerful in bringing people together over a shared venture. Plus, in 10-15 years, we’ll have some great stories to tell and possibly some incredible whisky to share!

6. Focus on the Long Term

In a world obsessed with quick returns, whisky forces you to think long-term. It takes years, sometimes decades, for whisky to fully mature and reach its highest potential. This investment isn't about short-term gain; it's about patience, strategy, and delayed gratification. And isn’t that a metaphor for the best kinds of investments and, arguably, life itself?

No matter what your preference is when it comes to investing, don't be afraid to try something new. One of the most exciting parts of making this type of investment is simply the learning. Whisky investing is not something they obviously don't teach in school :)