How to start Collecting Bourbon

samantha mercado
May 2
2 min read

Starting a great bourbon collection is about passion, strategy, and patience. Here are some of my top tips:

1. Start with a Budget and a Focus.

Set a monthly/annual budget.

Starter Budget: $50–$100/month

Great for beginners.

Focus on 1–2 quality bottles per month.

Ideal for exploring core expressions and value picks.

Examples:

Buffalo Trace (~$30)

Elijah Craig Small Batch (~$35)

Wild Turkey Rare Breed (~$50)

Intermediate Budget: $100–$250/month

Allows for branching into limited releases or higher-proof offerings.

Mix of daily sippers and occasional collectibles.

Examples:

E.H. Taylor Small Batch (~$70)

Stagg Jr. (~$80, if found at MSRP)

Barrell Bourbon (~$90)

Advanced Budget: $250–$500+/month

Serious collector territory.

You can pursue store picks, private barrels, or special allocations.

Examples:

Four Roses Limited Editions

Booker's releases

Michter’s 10 Year

If you're just starting, $75–$150/month is a great sweet spot. It gives you enough room to explore widely without overspending.

Decide on your angle: Are you collecting for flavor, rarity, value appreciation, or historical interest?

2. Learn the Basics

Understand the differences between bourbon, rye, wheated bourbon, and single barrel vs. small batch.

Learn key terms like mashbill, proof, Barrel entry, barrel strength, etc.

3. Explore Core Bottles First

Start with accessible, high-quality bottles to develop your palate:

Buffalo Trace

Elijah Craig Small Batch

Wild Turkey 101

Four Roses Small Batch

Maker’s Mark

4. Know the Distilleries & Sourcing

Many brands share the same source distilleries (e.g., MGP). Know who distills what.

Research craft vs. heritage distillers.

5. Build Relationships

Get to know your local liquor store owners and staff.

Join bourbon groups and communities (e.g., Reddit’s r/bourbon, Bourbonr, local Facebook groups).

6. Hunt Smart, Not Hard

Avoid overpaying for hype bottles (e.g., Pappy, Blanton’s). Prices often exceed value.

Focus on under-the-radar gems like Old Forester 1920, E.H. Taylor Small Batch, or Barrell Bourbon.

7. Store Properly

Keep bottles upright, out of direct sunlight, and at stable room temperature.

If opened, consume within 1–2 years for optimal flavor.

8. Taste, Don’t Just Collect

Open and enjoy! Tasting helps you refine your preferences and avoid chasing bottles that don’t suit your palate.

9. Track Your Collection

Use an app or spreadsheet to track bottles, prices, proof, purchase date, and tasting notes.

I've attached my excel spreadsheet tracker below.

10. Stay Curious

Attend (Wine and Whiskey Cle) tastings, distillery tours, and whiskey festivals.

Read books like “Bourbon: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of an American Whiskey” by Fred Minnick.

Watch the movie NEAT: The Story of Bourbon (Fubo, Amazon, Crackle)