Starting a bourbon collection can be an exciting and rewarding hobby. To begin, it is important to familiarize yourself with the different types of bourbon and their distinct flavors and characteristics. You can taste test different varieties by visiting distilleries, attending bourbon tastings or festivals, or purchasing small bottles to try at home.

When you find a bourbon that you enjoy, take note of the distillery, age, and proof of the bourbon. These factors can greatly affect the flavor and overall experience of the bourbon.

When it comes to purchasing bottles for your collection, it is important to keep in mind that certain bottles may be limited edition, rare or hard to find. You may want to research where to find certain bottles and look out for special releases or allocations of high-end bottles.

Once you have acquired some bottles, you will need to store them properly to ensure that they are kept at the ideal temperature and humidity levels. Ideally, the bottles should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and with a consistent temperature. The ideal humidity level for storing bourbon is between 60-70%.

As you acquire more bottles, it's important to keep track of your collection. You can do this by keeping a written inventory or using an app to record the details of each bottle. It's also important to rotate your bottles so that you can enjoy them at their peak flavor.

Additionally, you may want to consider joining a bourbon club or community to connect with other bourbon enthusiasts, exchange information and share your experiences. This can be a great way to learn about new and exciting bourbons, as well as gain access to special bottles and events.

In summary, starting a bourbon collection can be a fun and educational hobby. It involves educating yourself about different types of bourbon, purchasing bottles, storing them properly, keeping track of your collection, and rotating your bottles to enjoy them at their peak flavor.

Bourbon is a spirit that's made by distilling corn, barley and rye. It can be aged in new oak barrels or used barrels and has been around since the 1700s. The flavor of bourbon changes based on how long it's aged; different brands age their product for different amounts of time before bottling. Bourbon collectors often choose to collect rare and limited-edition bottles that are sold at auctions or through distributorships (where you buy directly from the company).

Decide on a budget

It's important to set a budget before you start collecting, as it will help you avoid buying lots of expensive bottles that you can't afford and then feeling discouraged. Be realistic about how much money you can spend on bourbon, and don't feel obligated to buy the most expensive bottles just because they're available at your local liquor store. You'll find plenty of great deals if you know where to look!

Decide what you want to collect

Decide what you want to collect. For some people, collecting bourbon is all about the bottle. Others might be more interested in the labels that come with it. Or maybe you’re just looking for something a little more unusual than a bottle of Buffalo Trace—perhaps whiskey stones? No matter what you choose, there are plenty of options for getting started on your own collection.

Know what you like

You may be wondering, how do I know what to look for in a bourbon? The first thing is to know your own tastes. If you like light, sweet bourbons that are easy-drinking and easy on the wallet, that's great! But if you're looking for something more complex and expensive (or vice versa), steer clear of the middle of the road.

In addition to knowing what style of bourbon appeals to you most, try different ages and proofs as well as price points within each category. For example: Are there certain ages or proofs that work best with certain foods? Do any specific brands stand out among others? Is there a particular region whose whiskies have distinct characteristics?

Get to know the distilleries

The next step to building your bourbon collection is learning about the distilleries. These are located all over the country, and each one has a unique story to tell. Visiting them can be an experience in itself, and they often have gift shops with bottles available for purchase. Some even have tours!

Speaking of tours, if you're lucky enough to live near a distillery that offers them (or if you're going on a trip), it's important not just to go through the motions of visiting but also to ask questions and get to know your tour guide as much as possible. You'll want someone who knows their stuff when it comes to bourbons so that they can give you guidance on where else in town or state there are great places for buying bottles or how best to taste some of their favorite bourbons at home, too!

There are a variety of collectible bourbon brands, but some of the most sought-after and highly valued include:

There are a variety of collectible bourbon brands, but some of the most sought-after and highly valued include:

• Pappy Van Winkle: This brand is known for its limited production and high demand, making it one of the most sought-after and expensive bourbons on the market.
• George T. Stagg: This bourbon is only released once a year as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and is highly sought after for its high proof and rich flavor profile.
• Weller: This brand is highly sought after for its wheated bourbon recipe and its similarities in taste profile to Pappy Van Winkle.
• Old Fitzgerald: This brand is known for its rare and hard to find bottles, making it a highly desirable addition to any collection.
• Thomas H. Handy: This bourbon is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and is highly sought after for its high proof and unique flavor profile.
• Old Rip Van Winkle: This brand is a sister brand of Pappy Van Winkle and is also known for its limited production and high demand.
• WL Weller Bourbon (Old No 7): Another wheated bourbon that's similar in taste profile with Pappy Van Winkles but at half or even less than half price point per bottle compared to those two brands above!

Try before you buy

The primary goal of a bourbon collection is to try different bourbons to find your own favorites. This can be done by trying different bourbons at a bar or store, going on a bourbon flight with friends and family, or even visiting the distillery itself. Visiting the site where your favorite bourbon was produced will allow you to get an even deeper appreciation for its quality and its connection with history.

However, it’s important to note that not all distilleries offer tours or tastings; if this is something you wish to do as part of your collection experience, make sure to check beforehand that it’s possible at the one(s) near where you live (or are planning on traveling). For example: Maker's Mark does not offer tours anymore; however Wild Turkey does!

Visit the places where bourbon is made

• Visit the distillery. The best way to learn about bourbon is to visit a distillery and see for yourself how it's made. You can ask questions about the history of bourbon, why certain grains are used, what makes it so tasty, and much more. It's always good to meet the people who make this amazing drink!

Bourbon collecting can be a fun hobby and it's important to learn about it before you start.

Bourbon collecting can be a fun hobby and it's important to learn about it before you start. Knowing about the history of bourbon is a good place to begin, as well as knowing about the distilleries that produce your favorite brands. It's also important to know what different bourbons taste like and how they're made. If you have time in between tasting your collection, keep an eye out for bottles with special labels or rare boxes.

There is so much to learn about this fascinating spirit, and we hope that this guide will help you get started on your own journey. Happy collecting!