Whiskey Investment

  Are you interested in diversifying your investment portfolio and including some alternative investement ideas?  If so then looking in to whiskey investments could be a road for you to explore. Just what is whiskey investment?  Whiskey investment gives private investors access to the market for wholesale maturing whisky – a physical asset with a growing global demand, limited supply, and a solid history of long-term appreciation. In the past only distillers and other industry participants could trade maturing whisky and benefit from the returns it can offer. What are the benefits of investing in whiskey? One of the many advantages of investing in whiskey are access to the markets as well as access to near wholesale pricing.  You decide on your prices for buying and selling. You can learn more about investing in whiskey at Whiskey Invest Direct.  

  Scotch has undoubtedly been elevated to the top spot of most popular spirit however it is said that if that spirit was not made in Scotland then it has no right baring the name. The land itself lends to this spirit and what is taken s naturally replenished. Scotch whisky is said to be a nobleman among spirits brought about primarily by what mother earth has to offer.  This makes it a popular drink for the naturalist among us. Scotland is so abundant in natural recourses from the moors of peat to the endless flowing fields of barley and wheat which is why it is the perfect place for brewing this tasty drink. The fine art of distilling has traveled generations; each step of the way gaining knowledge and refinement as distilling and maturing the fine malt gives way to what it is now. There are two kinds of whiskies in production in Scotland today thanks in part to the creation of the still in 1831.  One of those is the single grain variety and the other is the blended malt...

  In the year 1820 sir John Walker had a vision. To create one of the finest single malt blends the world has ever known. Enter the 2006 trend and apparently his vision turned to gold, as it is the most consumed scotch in the world. At over 120 million bottle sold annually, it is estimated that four bottles per second are enjoyed in 200 countries around the world. So what color do you walk with? That is a matter of personal taste. You can go with the vibrant blend of the red label, which tends to be the most common for everyday celebrations. Or choose the complex and deeply mellow black label, used throughout time as experience malt. The choice is yours as both are a wonderful scotch whiskey and will prove to be enjoyable whatever the toast.  If the moment proves to be one that you will want to remember for a lifetime, try the rare and expensive blue label scotch.   No matter which Walker you walk with surely you will not be let down.

  A true single malt whiskey is a brew that is distilled in one place. There is no inclusion of any other blends of grain whiskey in this product. A single cask whiskey has been in one cask and not transferred to accommodate other blends. This whiskey, when full strength, can exceed sixty percent alcohol by volume. Most single malts are bottled at between forty and forty-six percent as the legal limit is set at a minimum of forty percent. Ask strength is a term used when the alcohol level is still relatively high and the brew has not been watered down or if it has been the addition of water was low. Cask strength is not always merely one cask it can be from several casks inclusively. Given that there is approximately six to nine different regions in Scotland that actually have proven distilleries, the characteristics of the malt can vary considerably. They all have their own unique techniques and style to producing their malts and each produce a flavor all their own.  

  To grasp the understanding of a scotch label takes the ability to understand many things. National laws, marketing, tradition, as well as whim are placed on the label of this fine product. This simple guide can get you through the confusion of what’s inside the bottle. If you are looking for a true scotch whisky then the label should say exactly that, if the spelling is different, than that it is not made in Scotland rather it is made elsewhere. Look for the words single malt they can be broken up yet they will say single malt if that is what it is. The only way to identify a true single malt whisky is to do research, never take the name as it’s word on quality; many names have been forged to hide the identity of the true distiller. If the alcohol content per volume reads more than fifty percent then it would be best to water down this malt as it is rated by cask strength and will be stronger please do not mistake percentage with proof.   And finally check the date of bottli...

  Scotland can be divided into six different malt making segments or regions; Islay, Campbeltown, speyside, Islands Lowlands and highlands. Each of these regions produce a different malt as the characteristics are different so too are the methods of distilling. Climate variations, raw materials, and production methods all play a roll in the differing of these malts. Islay This is a small island off the western coast of Scotland and is the site of many wonderful malt distilleries. They have many variations of malts however the most notable carry a tangy smoky peaty taste. The current number of running distilleries is at eight although at onetime there was said to be twenty-three, with the newest edition opened in 2005. Lowlands This mountainless and flat region is apparent by its name and is also in the most southern region of Scotland. This brew is contains less of the smoke, peat, and salt than most other malts coming from Scotland and it carries with it a mildly fiery yet smooth ...

  It is said that the acquisition of knowledge on any subject that you are interested in only increases your appreciation for it.  This can easily be said about the finest of scotches as well. There seems to be a trend building with aficionados flocking the rolling country sides in Scotland just to sneak a sample of the gold they seek. As one must experience to appreciate, it appears that this is a task for the strong willed in this subject. One could imagine many trips booked from abroad flocking Scotland’s coastlines in search of the malt that has only been heard of and not been tasted. This is not merely just a trend, to Scotch enthusiast, it is rather a mission. To be experienced in the fine subtleties of these malts and blended scotch whiskies is to many a dream. Some could not even imagine the soft roll that many of these great spirits have to offer to the tongue. Spending time with true connoisseurs of scotch and single malts gives you valuable insight as to what to loo...

  Many people get confused and the difference between single malt and blended scotch. The blended variety consists of approximately fifty different grains, and single malts, sent from many different producers. The term single malt refers to one single distiller, and therefore what is produced, is indeed not the product of blending. They say that every 50 years is the leveling out point on scotch, as it will no longer get better with age.  Prior to that point it is like wine and will continue to produce a better taste. The differences in many of the distillers of fine scotch in Scotland can be very noticeable, as the geography lends to different techniques. Each region of the Scottish territory yields a different product due to varying methods of development. Many methods can be employed, right down to the grains and water used. Some distilling companies even use certain peat mosses on the grains for added flavor. One would assume you must try them all, to consider yourself a t...

  Scotch is one of the most consumed alcoholic beverages of all time, after all it has been around for hundred of years however, little thought is usually given to the actual origin of this popular drink.  As the name suggests, Scotch was originally produced in Scotland by Friar John Cor.  After distillation was introduced by Scottish monks in 1494, fine scotch became a popular drink.   To the dismay of Scotch and other whiskey drinkers, whiskey was first taxed in 1644.  This caused a rise in the number of what we would today call “bootleggers” who made and sold Scotch whiskey illegally.  Later in 1823, the Scottish Parliament made it easier for one to own a licensed distillery and harder for illegal whiskey stills to stay in business.   This began the modern production of Scotch whiskey. Today, fine scotch whiskey production is much more technologically advanced:  It has to be in order to keep up with the demand for this popular drink. ...

  There is no true rule of thumb when drinking whisky but there are a few things to keep in mind to make the experience a lot more enjoyable. It should be pointed out that if the general rule of thumb is not observed there is still no reason not to enjoy this wonderful spirit. You should never put ice in a great dram as it kills the taste and aroma, however, some do prefer it this way.  The glass that is originally designed to accept a fine malt whisky is very wide at the top and gently slopes in for the very reason of not comfortably accepting a bed of ice, as the intention is to steer away from this practice. This glass is by most called a tumbler. When purchasing great malt the price, like many things, will indeed reflect the quality you get since with scotch, you tend to get what you pay for. There are a variety of alcohols available for a cheap price in which you can get a buzz, however, fine scotch should be sipped and enjoyed. Good malt is not an appropriate mate for a ...

  An establishment that is spending the time and using funds to maintain after qualifications for a Doc certified scotch malt single bar that carries a distinction is definitely a wonderful place. Just how wonderful is it?  It seems that the options are endless for novice malt drinker’s right up to the aficionados to have the truest sample of what the Spirit Gods intended. A place to conjure for this treat is surely something to be revered and in all accounts worthy of an award of this stature. Every couple of weeks a new nectar seems to be hitting the market and this will definitely confuse the new malt sipper yet will send the old time connoisseurs into fits of glee all the while preserving single malt’s status as the true nobleman among spirits. Of course not all follow this robed king of beverage but it does have a strong standing. Oddly enough they say that the taste of fine single malt an be influenced by the environment you sip in that is subjective at best as the fines...

  In terms of export, Scotch whisky amasses approximately 90% of all export sales combined in England and is a principle export commodity. This income is in great part foreign currency.  This trend has been followed since the turn of the 19-century as the value of overseas marketing was discovered. Between 15-20% of all scotch whisky consumed in Scotland is first purchased in Britain.   Although the reason for this is unknown, they do not dwell on it since their Scotch seems to be more popular in other countries.  This is proven by the fact that scotch whisky is within the top five export earners and makes a considerable profit while making very large contributions to Britain’s foreign exchange. Approximately 200 markets are in the exchange for Scotch whisky with the European Union being in the forefront vying for top spot with the United States, Japan and other Asian markets following suit. The European Union is accountable for at least 50% of all Scotch whisky...

  In today’s world of clubs and young drinkers, fine Scotch often falls by the wayside.  A much more sophisticated drink, Scotch is popular with older, more mature drinkers.  Will this classic favorite eventually die out to all the pretty drinks served up in coconut shells with pretty pink umbrellas?  The answer is probably not.  Although Scotch on the rocks, is getting to be more and more unpopular among the bar drinkers, there are mixed drinks that feature fine Scotch with fun names that appeal to the younger crowd.   Drinks like the rusty nail which features Scotch and Drambuie or the Scotch happy sour which features Scotch and cherry flavored brandy are fun drinks that the twenty-something’s love to order.  It is the unique taste of fine Scotch that sets it apart from the fad drinks that are all the rage today.  There are a multitude of these kinds of mixed drinks, but to the true connoisseurs of fine whiskey, a cold scotch on the rocks is the...

  As new Irish and Scottish immigrants tried to settle on the American continent they brought with them the distilling methods of scotch whiskey. Finding the new raw materials different that what they were accustomed to, they lead the way for an evolution of new scotch now known merely as whiskey. Today if you can find a similarity between Irish and Scottish whiskey, and its now American cousin you would be further ahead than the experts and connoisseurs. The stronger, fuller and sweeter taste found in the American whiskey if a result of the lack of smoke in the drying process of grains and/or corns. The six different categories that American whiskey is divided into is a direct result of the different aging times and adjusted amounts of grains used in each batch of whiskey. The six different American brews are as follows: * Bourbon * Tennessee * Rye * Wheat * Corn * Blended whiskey Bourbon Bourbon Is believed to be produced solely in Kentucky, which is a myth it has been produced i...

  It is said that you can tell the quality of scotch by its age, this is in every count of the word maturity. Law states that all blends must indeed “mature” for a minimum of three years, however for a great many years, these blends have been idling for approximately eight years. The distillers have found the longer it sits and matures, the better the product. As this scotch sits in its casks, it is constantly changing. The alcohol level drops for every year that it sits in its cask, and what is know as Angel’s share is developed, where the alcohol is absorbed into the oak casks pours. The casks that we speak of are of the used variety, due to the fact that new casks would change the taste of the scotch dramatically, hence altering its character. A law in the US states that for the production of Bourbon, or Tennessee whiskey, only new casks are to be used. The use of these new casks introduces a vanilla taste into the blend.  There are some blends as old as 30 years or more, h...

  The production of Scotch whisky takes time, a lot of time.  It is a tedious process that can take years.  However when it is done correctly, the product is one worth waiting for.   Barley is placed in deep tanks of water for approximately three days. As the moisture increases it promotes the germination process. After the germination process, the barley is then moved to the malting segment of the distillery where it will go into drums sometimes known as the malting floor. The entire purpose of the germination process is to convert the starch in the grains into fermentable sugars. This will feed the yeast in the fermentation stage. Turning the barley frequently ensures the temperature will remain consistent. Sheils, another name for a wooden shovel, are used to turn the grains, on a traditional malting floor. The grains will die if the temperature reaches above 22 degrees, and will the stop the entire process as the starch will not be converted to sugar. The grain i...

  Why is it that scotch always seem to be left alone in the bar scene? It is understandable that most people find scotch to harsh to drink while dancing the night away but could it not be introduced in some mild cocktails? Generally it is assumed that the sweeter drinks tend to give you the staying power on the dance floor as it is usually loaded with sugar. Sugar is not an ingredient that one would associate with scotch and many of the clubbers will shy away from the so called old mans drink.  Yet they really do not understand the potential that scotch in small doses in sweet drinks can have.  It can liven up the party in a relatively short amount of time. Of course there are the few drinks out there that may inspire a look into by the up and coming yuppies that are trying to mature. One of these mild scotch drinks is the Rusty Nail. This wonderful drink contains 1 ½ oz of scotch ½ oz of Drambuie And a twist of peel from a lemon This drink forgoes the common rule of no i...

  Although some Scots are softening up in regards to their traditional dram, we cannot say all of them are. Some are indeed abusively screaming and kicking, with regard to how their fine brew is handled. The idea of mixing a fine scotch in a fancy drink at the bar seems preposterous. This notion is dubbed an act of kindness, yet not too kind to the distillers that have toiled to bring us such a wonderful product. Scotch is a wonderful brew that hit the mainstream of the U.S. in the early 1990’s.  Several have considered this type of drink as a personality definer, causing it to grow quickly in popularity.  Through Scotch as a drink was also a growing interest in it as a single malt treat.  However, there are many different variations that have hit the market in order to please every palette. It has been said that scotch is a nasty old bugger who is drank alone or with one or two close friends and not in the spirit of socializing. However the distillers, and aficionad...

  Scotland is not the only country that can put out a quality scotch product.  Many countries have ventured into the spirits domain. Canada is one of them. The Canadian whiskeys are starting to shine with products that are crisp and bold to the taste buds. Following strict compliance with Canadian regulations these spirits are distilled and bottled no less than two years before consumption. Usually the bottling is done no sooner than six years and many are much longer than that now. They are not noted as straight whiskies as they are blended.  They are bold and lightly flavored yet manage to keep a very distinctive body and character. The Canadian government carries out rigid control of the Excise Tax and labeling. There have been no stipulations in place for the grain formulas or distilling processes.  Nor have the maturing factors or time frames been ruled or governed. They have left it up to the producers of this product to determine what markets abroad and at hom...

  It has been rumored that the Johnny Walker Blue Label blended whiskey was about to be halted for reasons unknown. This rumor is indeed just that nothing more than a rumor. Here you will find some background on this fine product in the event you wish to try it someday. Although lately the market place is seemingly chomping at the bit to get a hold of some of this Blue label Johnny Walker ultra premium fine blended whiskey, it has managed to remain elusive to most sippers of fine spirits. This blend was to be made to celebrate Sir John Walker’s existence of 200 years.  A blending of young grains and malts make this drink a little mellower.  Like some of the older whiskies, this blend was to be reminiscent of the blends back in the earlier 19th century. The blue label product does not show an aging date on the label; however this is by no means an indication of poor quality.  In fact, it is quite the contrary.  It has actually been said that there are approximate...

  It is a well-rounded argument that the Scottish has the market sewn up as far as making the best product on the planet; however there are a few studs in other stables worth a mention.  Bourbon has long been associated with Kentucky and for good reason as it is the state where this craft was first developed. Elijah Craig a Baptist minister in the late 18th century in Georgetown Kentucky unveiled to farmers and townsfolk alike the first Bourbon whiskey where the trend just took off. It is said that even the father of the great Abraham Lincoln got into the action. European settlers brought this trade secret with them to North America and in turn shared it with their new neighbors. Giving way to a boom in production. 1791 was the timeframe for the whiskey rebellion that took place in Pennsylvania where the government elected to impose tax on whiskey and whiskey sales. This did not sit well with distillers so they made their way to the Kentucky Mountains to avoid the collectors o...

  It is said that the art of distilling was discovered somewhere in Asia in approximately 800 B.C.  The assumption was that this technique was merely used to make perfumes, however this has been refuted. The method by which the processes found its way to the British Isles is uncertain; however we do know that the Moors brought the art of distilling to Europe.  It is believed that the art was then refined in monasteries throughout central Europe. Apparently the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, carried this trade into the monasteries in 432 AD on a Christian mission. Regardless, the Celts did attain the secret eventually and made their water of life that in Gaelic is pronounced “Uisge Beatha”. This simple yet not well-known name is how the scotch whiskey came to be, as Uisge means whiskey. The millstone year for whiskey in history would have to be 1494 as a Sir Friar John Cor of Scotland ordered eight bolls of malt.  It was reportedly to be used for aqua vitae whi...

  When you think of a man’s drink, what comes to mind? Baileys? Vodka?  To many, scotch seems to be the drink of choice for grown men and seemingly this choice has been made for many, many years. There is most probably not a spirit, more endeared by men than scotch. Scotch is made here in America, but the finest scotch is made in the Isles of Scotland.  Scotch from Islay Scotland, can cost you a pretty penny.  The scotch mentioned here from Scotland is from the Bruichladdich distillery in Islay Scotland, which is at the most southern of all Hebridian islands. The scotch made there is so rare that it can only be purchased at the distillery.   Here in America, scotch is not so hard to come by.  A bottle of Wild Turkey costs, on average, about $22.00.  Whereas a high end whiskey can cost up to $50.00 a bottle.  Compare that to a fine scotch from is isles at around $120.00 per bottle and you will see the difference isn’t so much in the bottle, but in ...

  The majority of fine scotch distillers sell casks of their product as a whole for blending purposes as well as to private buyers. Usually the distiller name will be placed on a blended product however not the logo. This is an indication that the product is indeed blended and not single malt. Most independent bottling companies will bottle products from single casks and may or may not be from the original bottling source. At this time many renowned distillers are trying to end the open market of bottling operations as it is infringing on their overall sales. Some malt companies will incorporate more than one batch of their scotch into the cask selling to ensure the independent bottlers from selling it as a single malt product. Many independent bottlers will use merely a geographical region or an alias of the distiller, as to avoid any legal repercussions. This method of legal sneakiness is known as “bastard bottling”. Either way the society of scotch malt whiskey can still track t...

  Twelve:  Is this indeed the magic number when it comes to fine scotch? In a matter of terms the answer is yes. When trying to decide on a scotch it would be best to look for that magical number, as it will indicate to you that at least it has grown into full body.  There are quite a few bottles out there that have aged longer, yet obtaining these gems can prove to be tricky.  An old bottle of scotch is a real treasure. Scotch, at least fine scotch, is meant to roll off the back of your tongue, and give you a warm and subtle punch in the tummy. Younger scotch, has not been given a chance to build a personality, hence it is not as smooth.  It seems to be agreed that twelve years or longer is the magic number when it comes to the age of perfection for fine scotch.  It may come in many different fashions and labels yet the song remains the same; good scotch has been brewing for awhile.