Collecting whisky is no longer just for a few enthusiasts; in the last decades whisky has become a highly respected drink amongst much wider circles. Today it can also be a great investment, often even more stable and profitable than stocks. So how did this happen? The arrival of online whisky auctions has been a highly influential factor. With rare bottles now globally available, redefined market prices, and a clever response from the whisky industry, a lot has changed for the whisky collecting world. Our in-house whisky experts are here to explain more about this key market development, so keep scrolling to learn more.
Wide Availability of Rare Bottles
The fact that rare bottles of whisky are now globally available through online auctions means that many more people have become interested in collecting whisky. In Asia certain special-edition bottles are even seen as a status symbol. An increase in wealth in both Western countries and Asia means that whisky is in great demand. This demand can then be met and also generated by the presence of online whisky auctions.
Becasue rare bottles of whisky are now globally available through online auctions many more people have become interested in collecting whisky
Redefining Market Prices
Online whisky auctions have also affected the price of both common and rare whiskies. Because online auctions make so many more bottles available to so many more people around the world, the value of certain types of whisky has increased dramatically. When a particular bottle raises an extraordinary amount of money at auction, word spreads quickly about the remarkable sale thanks to the internet, and soon the demand for other examples of that whisky increase.
The value of certain types of whisky has increased dramatically because bottles are available to so many more people around the world
Limited Editions
The whisky industry has cleverly responded to this change by issuing more limited-edition whiskies. Since online auctions make whisky more widely accessible, this is a smart way to make sure these limited-edition bottles are in high demand, both at the time of issue and some years later. Just one example of such a limited-edition bottle is this Hibiki whisky in a Mount Fuji wooden presentation box that sold at our Whisky auction for €800.
This Hibiki whisky in a Mount Fuji wooden presentation box sold at our whisky auctions for €800
Creating Trends
Trends arise when more people develop an interest in a certain product, brand or line of products. This is nothing new. But with the arrival of internet and online auctions, trends spread much faster. Sometime trends explode when media and publicity give it enough attention. And sometimes trends arise subtly, for instance the the growth in Scottish whisky purchases, which then increases the price of Scottish whisky at online auctions, and therefore further increases the demand for Scottish whisky. Oak barrels at one point became a great collector’s item, and now only few barrels are available at very high prices!
Online whisky auctions, like those at Catawiki, have had a huge impact on the whisky market, industry and audience
The Whisky Market is Open!
The whisky market has certainly become more interesting since the arrival of online auctions. It gives even small collectors the chance to buy a special edition whisky at a fair price. And due to the global accessibility of online auctions, you can start a collection of whisky of your own, whether you’re looking for whisky as an investment, a drink to enjoy, or both. Anyone can participate in Catawiki's online auctions. With just one account you can bid, buy and sell at our auctions. Create your free account today to get started.
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