The global collectible whisky market has seen significant growth, with South Africa emerging as a key market. According to recent reports, the global market grew by over 23% in 2024, driven largely by premium single malts. In South Africa, the trend mirrors the global phenomenon, with a 15% year-on-year increase in demand for rare Scottish whiskies as both investments and luxury lifestyle choices.
In the world of rare whiskies, their reputation is justified, not only for their flavour profiles but also for their scarcity and investment potential. South African whisky collectors are drawn to brands for their authenticity, heritage, and quality. The limited availability of special editions adds an air of exclusivity that resonates with discerning consumers.
Investing in rare whisky can be a profitable venture, with some bottles appreciating significantly over time. According to data from the Whisky Auctioneer, rare whiskies have consistently outperformed traditional investment assets, such as bonds and stocks. Here are the average annual returns on investment whisky in South Africa:
* 2018: 12.5%
* 2019: 14.1%
* 2020: 16.2%
* 2021: 17.5%
* 2022: 19.1%
What to Look Out for When Selecting a Rare Whisky
When investing in rare whisky, Lifa Bakana, Senior Brand Manager at Edward Snell & Co says that it’s essential to consider the following factors to ensure a solid return on investment:
Volume: Whiskies that have limited volumes appreciate faster – the more the whiskies are consumed the scarcer they become making those that are still in circulation more sought after.
Provenance: Whiskies that are produced by reputable distilleries and known for their long-standing quality whisky production tend to appreciate over time making the older variants from these distilleries widely coveted.
Limited releases: As a result of limited stock available and the fact that they are released once never to be repeated contributes to their increase in worth. Limited releases like The Balvenie 50-year-old where only 125 bottles of this liquid were produced and were exclusively available world-wide.
Age: Older whiskies that have spent longer in cask are likely to gain more value. With 1-2% of the remaining liquid lost to angels share every year, a cask by way of example with a 12-year-old whisky in it has more liquid when pulled from the cask and is likely to be about 70-80% full. While a cask containing whisky that has been aged for 50 years might have less than 40% of the cask remaining limiting the amount available and concentrating the flavour compounds.
“With its long history of craftsmanship and commitment to traditional whisky-making methods, The Balvenie offers a unique blend of quality and consistency,” he adds. “The Balvenie’s limited-edition bottlings, such as the 50-year-old Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, are highly sought after by connoisseurs and investors alike.”
The Balvenie has gained recognition for its excellent craftsmanship and exclusivity. The brand is beloved for its limited editions and dedication to traditional whisky-making methods. The Balvenie continues to dominate the collectible spirits market, offering connoisseurs a taste of luxury.
Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie recently named in the top 50 most influential people in Britain, points out that the Balvenie distillery’s commitment to the Five Rare Crafts – traditional malting, in-house copper smithing, expert distillation, and the expertise of a resident cooper is what sets it apart. “This dedication ensures that every bottle reflects the distillery’s deep understanding of its materials and its unwavering desire to produce the best whisky,” she adds.
“The Balvenie is crafted with passion and precision. Our makers stay true to their craft, ensuring every bottle reflects their deep understanding and respect for the whisky-making process,” says Bakana. “It is this authenticity that makes The Balvenie truly remarkable.”
Among The Balvenie’s celebrated releases, the 21-year-old stands out. “This expression boasts a rich, complex flavor profile that embodies the brand’s craftsmanship,” he explains. “There are also several limited editions that define excellence.”
The Balvenie 21-Year-Old Portwood: A single malt of refinement and remarkable character, creamy and silky with fruit, honey and spice notes with a long and gentle nutty finish.
The Balvenie Thirty: Aged 30 years, this rare whisky offers deep flavours of honey, oak, and spice.
The Tun 1509 Series: A small-batch release that combines specially selected casks, creating a symphony of unmatched complexity.
The Balvenie Fifty – Marriage 0962: A luxury release that blends aged whiskies with unparalleled precision.
McKechnie says that The Balvenie is a whisky made with passion and for those who value the art of whisky-making, The Balvenie represents a narrative of tradition, expertise, and passion. “Every bottle tells a story of craftsmanship honed over decades, offering a glimpse into the heart of a Scottish distillery that refuses to compromise on quality,” she adds.
“Whether it’s the 12-Year-Old DoubleWood or the prestigious Fifty: Marriage 0962, The Balvenie remains a symbol of aspiration and refinement,” adds Bakana. “As collectible whiskies continue to capture the imagination of South African connoisseurs, The Balvenie stands supreme – a testament to the enduring appeal of rare spirits crafted with passion and precision.”
The Balvenie 12, 14- and 21-year-old expressions are available at leading liquor outlets in South Africa from R1,300 a bottle.
