Collecting

[onewman]

Okay, I admit it. I’m a collector. I don’t drink bourbon or rye, but I have what many might consider a fair collection. Unfortunately, I have none of the old collectables (ok, maybe a few) but I have made a concerted effort to collect all of the current collectables (Van Winkles, BTAC, etc.) over the past 3 to 4 years. To be honest, I can’t remember the last time I had a drink of bourbon or rye (scotch is another story), yet I feel compelled to collect all of the whiskeys that all so eagerly seek. Why do I collect do you ask? It’s simple, because I know it’s a limited commodity and because I can. I collect because I may want a taste of something that is no longer available (or will no longer be available in the future) and I don’t want to pay a bigger premium in the future or rely on another’s generosity. That said, no bottle I own is sacrosanct and is available to any guest, but I would never sell a bottle that I own. I may be willing to trade in the future, but until the right time comes along, I am collecting – or is that hoarding. Any other collectors out there?

[bjbronwyn]

Im sure that most of us are collectors, I know I certanly am!
The thing with some of us is we cant help but crack some bottles.
I have been a JD and WT collector for a fair while with about 250 bottles (most full) in the collection. This makes its quite hard to purchase drinkers, but I have about 12 bottles that are open from a variety of distillers.
I love collecting but I love the whiskey just as much, and Ive realised that all whiskey is made for the enjoyment of the cosumer. Some of us enjoy the collecting side, but most enjoy the taste, and the good times that tend to go along with them. JMO

[Bmac]

I started off just wanting a full bar. Then I started researching what was "the best." When I hit bourbon it was like an entire universe had opened up. It started with my one and only Pappy (15yr from 2008). Since then I wanted to taste the best of the best. Then I realized that I lacked the connections to really buy a lot of these bottles so I started hoarding all I could. I knew the collectors were out there because the best were always gone but none of the people I hung around had even heard of them. Most everyone I know is scared to pay more than $25 for any one bottle of anything, so would never buy GTS or ORVW if they saw it.

Then I started trying to buy two bottles at a time. One to drink and one to keep. The only exception was JPS18 and WLW where I have two spare bottles.

I may or may not continue collecting. It's getting harder and harder as it is catching on. I have a small location that can get some hard-to-get bottles but he can't get much. For the spring release this year he only got Lot B, and that's it.

I have to come to the realization that the collectors who had long established contacts may have finally won the race. I think they see the trend catching on and are now more fervent than ever to buy as much as they can. Here in Texas it's hard enough to break into the circle. Even after 4 years now I am a diamond in the rough to the small time and a blip on the radar to the big names.

Regardless...my appreciation of the well crafted spirit will remain and I am thankful for the experiences I have had and the bottles I have acquired.

[bgageus]

I think that once I passed the 100 bottle mark I started thinking I was collecting. Most bottles that I have I do intend to drink at some point, but I seem to buy 4 for every one I drink. Maybe I need more friends.
I think I realized I had a collecting problem when I went out and got a 2011 Saz 18, when I had one and a half bottles of the 2010. I knew it was vatted, and the same stuff but I needed to get the 2011 release, and I cant wait for the 2012. Or maybe it was when I bought the 2011 handy and have never opened the 2010 to know if I even like it. When did you realize that you have a collecting problem?

[AaronWF]

I don’t drink bourbon or rye, but I have what many might consider a fair collection.

If you don't drink it, it's not a fair collection.

[BradleyC]

If you don't drink it, it's not a fair collection.

+1

I have only collected anything that I had a personal interest in. I do have a "bourbon collection" of bottles that may not get opened anytime soon, but I also have a bunker and a cabinet full of opens. The bunker is a lot bigger than the collecton and is for drinking. I have the collection and the bunker because I have a sincere interest in the product, the process, the history, the people, the consumption, and the overall experience and satisfaction. I can't understand why someone would bother otherwise

[onewman]

I might be wrong, but I think this is a fair collection (not great but fair) whether I drink it or not:

1792 Ridgemont Reserve, 46.85%
Angel’s Envy, 43.3%
Baker’s 7 year old, 53.5%
Basil Hayden’s 8 year old, 40%
Blanton’s, 46.5%
Booker’s, 63.45%
Breckenridge, 43%
Buffalo Trace, 45%
Bulleit, 45%
Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel, 50%
Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. Warehouse C Tornado Surviving, 50%
Eagle Rare 10 year old, 45%
Eagle Rare Fall 2007, 45%
Eagle Rare Fall 2008, 45%
Eagle Rare Fall 2010, 45%
Eagle Rare Fall 2011, 45%
Elijah Craig 12 year old, 47%
Elijah Craig 18 year old, 45%
Elmer T. Lee, 45%
Evan Williams Single Barrel 1998 Vintage, 43.3%
Evan Williams Single Barrel 2000 Vintage, 43.3%
Evan Williams Single Barrel 2001 Vintage, 43.3%
Evan Williams Single Barrel 2002 Vintage, 43.3%
Ezra B Single Barrel 12 year old, 49.5%
Four Roses Single Barrel Limited Edition 2009, 57.8%
Four Roses Single Barrel Limited Edition 2011, 54.5%
Four Roses Single Barrel, 50%
George T. Stagg, 70.7% (2009)
George T. Stagg, 71.5% (2010)
George T. Stagg 71.3% (2011)
Jefferson Presidental Select 17 year old Bach No. 2, 47%
Jefferson Presidental Select 17 year old Bach No. 4, 47%
Knob Creek, 50%
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve, 60%
Maker’s Mark, 45%
Maker’s 46, 47%
Michter’s Signle Barrel 10 Year Old, 47.2%
Noah’s Mill, 57.15%
Old Charter 10 year old, 43%
Old Charter Proprietor’s Reserve, 45%
Old Forrester Birthday Bourbon 2003 (Spring 1990), 46.5%
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2004, 47%
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2006, 48%
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2007, 47%
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2008, 47%
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2010, 47.5%
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2011, 49%
Old Grand Dad 114 Barrel Proof, 57%
Old Grand Dad 100 Proof Bottled in Bond, 50%
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year old, 45%
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year old, 53.5%
Old Weller Antique, 53.5% (2)
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20 year old, 45.2%
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 year old, 53.5%
Rock Hill Farms,50%
Rowan’s Creek, 50.05%
Russell’s Reserve, 10 year old, 45%
Sam Houston, 42.8%
Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot B, 12 year old, 45.2%
Vintage Bourbon 17 year old, 47%
W. L. Weller 12 year old, 45%
Wild Turkey, 50.5%
Wild Turkey American Spirit, 50%
Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit, 50.5%
Wild Turkey Russell’s Reserve 10 year old, 50.5%
Willet, 47%
William Larue Weller, 63.3% (2010)
William Larue Weller, 66.75 (2011)
Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select, 45.2%
Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection 1838 Sweet Mask, 43.2%
(ri)1, 46%
Bulleit, 45%
High West Double Rye!, 46%
High West Rendezvous Rye, 46%
Jefferson’s 10 year old, 47%
Michter’s Signle Barrel 10 year old, 46.4%
Rittenhouse Rye 100 Proof Bottled in Bond, 50%
Rittenhouse Very Rare 21 year old, 50%
Redemption, 46%
Russell’s Reserve 6 years old, 45%
Sazerac, 45%
Sarerac 18 Year Old Fall 2007, 45%
Sazerac 18 year old Fall 2008, 45%
Sazerac 18 year old Fall 2009, 45%
Sazerac 18 year old Fall 2010, 45%
Sazerac 18 year old Fall 2011, 45%
Thomas H. Handy, 63.75% (2008)
Thomas H. Handy, 63.45% (2010)
Thomas H. Handy, 64.3% (2011)
Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 year old, 47.8%
WhistlePig, 50%
Wild Turkey, 50.5%
Willet 4 year old, 55%
Willet 5 year old, 55%
Palm Ridge Reserve Batch 14, 45%
Stranahans, 47%
Jack Daniel’s Gentelman Jack, 40%
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, 47%
George Dickel Barrel Select, 43%
Bernheim, 45%
Buffalo Trace White Dog Mash #1, 62.5%
Buffalo Trace White Dog Rye Mash, 62.5%
Buffalo Trace White Dog Wheated Mash, 57%
High West Silver Whiskey Western Oat, 40%
Low Gap Whiskey, 42.3%

[onewman]

I too have a sincere interest in the product, the process, the history, the people, and the overall experience and satisfaction. I just choose not to consume at this time. I fully plan on opening and experiencing even bottle before my demise, but if I don't have them now, I know that I can't taste them later.

[Max Power]

I'm a collector, but most of the bottles are open. I can't wait to try them to see if it's a well priced gem that I need to bunker. I'm a bit different than most of you because my collection is tequila. I've never posted it anywhere before. I only post it now because of all of the questions that I've gotten from you good folks regarding tequila in the Non-Whiskey Forum and in chat last night. Here it is:

1921 Blanco
1921 Reposado
30-30 Blanco
30-30 Reposado
3 Amigos Blanco
3 Amigos Reposado
4 Copas Blanco
4 Copas Reposado
4 Copas Anejo
5150 Anejo
Adan y Eva Reposado
Agave Underground Anejo
Aha Toro Reposado
Aha Toro Anejo
Alma Reposado
Alquimia Reposado
Alquimia Extra Anejo
Amate Reposado
Amate Anejo
Ambhar Anejo
Ancestra SB
Anejo Ancestra Suave Reposado
Antiguo Blanco
Arette Reposado
Atrenom Reposado
Asom Broso Blanco
Asom Broso Extra Anejo
Avion Blanco
Avion Reposado
Avion Anejo
Azunia Blanco
Azunia Reposado
Azunia Anejo
Bandolon Anejo
Bracero Anejo
Buen Amigo Reposado
Cabo Wabo Blanco
Cabo Wabo Reposado
Cabo Wabo Anejo
Camarena Blanco
Camarena (1.75) Reposado
Campo Azul Reposado
Casa Noble Blanco
Casa Noble Reposado
Casa Noble Anejo
Casta Pasion Anejo
Cava de Morales Blanco
Cava de Oro Blanco
Cavalino Reposado
Cazadores Reposado
Cazadores Anejo
Centinela Anejo
Centinela Reposado
Certeza Reposado
Cesar Monterrey Anejo
Chamucos Reposado
Chaya Blanco
Chinaco Blanco
Chinaco Reposado
Chinaco Anejo
Clase Azul Blanco
Clase Azul Reposado
Corazon Blanco
Corazon Reposado
Corralejo Blanco
Corralejo Reposado
Corralejo Anejo
Corrido Blanco
Corrido Reposado
Corrido Anejo
Corrido Extra Anejo
Corzo Blanco
Corzo Reposado
Crotalo Reposado
Crotalo Anejo
Crotalo Extra Anejo
D Los Altos Reposado
D Los Altos Anejo
Don Abraham Anejo
Don Agustin Blanco
Don Alvaro Blanco
Don Alvaro Anejo
Don Camilo (1.75) Anejo
Don Celso Reposado
Don Cosme Reposado
Don Cosme Anejo
Don Eduardo Blanco
Don Fernando Reposado
Don Julio Anejo
Don Julio Reposado
Don Julio Blanco
Don Julio 1942 Extra Anejo
Don Julio 70th Anejo
Don Nacho Reposado
Don Pilar Anejo
Don Ramon Anejo
Dos Lunas Blanco
Dos Lunas Reposado
Dos Lunas Anejo
Dos Manos Anejo
El Agave Atresenal Anejo
El Amo Reposado
El Caballo Estrella Anejo
El Charro Blanco
El Charro Reposado
El Charro Anejo
El Destilador Blanco
El Destilador Reposado
El Fogonero Anejo
El Jimador Reposado
El Jimador Anejo
El Mayor Reposado
El Mayor Anejo
El Tesoro Blanco
El Tesoro Anejo
El Reformador Blanco
El Reformador Reposado
El Reformador Anejo
El Viejo Luis Blanco
El Viejo Luis Reposado
Espolon Blanco
Espolon Reposado
Fina Estampa Blanco
Fina Estampa Reposado
Fina Estampa Anejo
Fortaleza Blanco
Fortaleza Reposado
Fortaleza Anejo
Gran Centenario Reposado
Gran Centenario Anejo
Grand Mayan Extra Anejo
Grillos Reposado
Hacienda Sotol Reposado
Hacienda Sotol Anejo
Herencia Mexicana Blanco
Herradura Blanco
Herradura Reposado
Honorable Reposado
Hussongs Reposado
JLP President's Blanco
JLP President's Reposado
JLP President's Anejo
Jose Curevo Reserva Extra Anejo
Jose Curevo Reserva Blanco
KAH Blanco
KAH Reposado
KAH Anejo
Karma Blanco
Kirkland Blanco
Kirkland Anejo
Ley .925 Anejo
Ley .925 Extra Anejo
Los Azulejos Reposado
Maestro Dobel Reposado
Magave Anejo
Marquez de Valencia Reposado
Milagro Blanco
Milagro Reposado
Milagro Anejo
Milagro Select Barrel Reposado
Mi Tierra Reposado
Mi Tierra Anejo
Muchote Reposado
Ocho Blanco
Ocho Anejo
Olvidio Reposado
Orgullo Anejo
Oro Azul Reposado
Paqui Blanco
Paqui Reposado
Partida Anejo
Patron Blanco
Patron Reposado
Patron Anejo
Patron Platino
Peligroso Anejo
Penacho Azteca Blanco
Penacho Azteca Reposado
Penacho Azteca Anejo
Penacho Azteca Extra Anejo
Penca Azul Anejo
Porfidio Blanco
Porfidio Anejo
Puerto Vallarta Anejo
Pueblo Viejo Reposado
Pura Sangre Reposado
Pura Vida Blanco
Pura Vida Reposado
Pura Vida Anejo
Puro Verde Reposado
Regional Anejo
Republic Blanco
Republic Anejo
Reserva de Mexico Reposado
Reserva de Mexico Anejo
Reserva del Senor Reposado
Revolucion Blanco
Riazul Anejo
Sauza Tres Gen. Anejo
Seis Hermanas Blanco
Seis Hermanas Anejo
Siembra Azul Reposado
Siete Leguas Blanco
Siete Leguas Reposado
Siete Leguas Anejo
Sol de Mexico Anejo
T1 Estelar Anejo
Tenampa Azul Blanco
Tenampa Azul Reposado
Tenoch Reposado
Tequileno Reposado
Tequileno Anejo
Tezon Reposado
Tierras Blanco
Tierras Anejo
Tonala Anejo
Tonala 4 yr Extra Anejo
Toro de Lidia Blanco
Toro de Lidia Reposado
Toro de Lidia Anejo
Toro de Lidia Extra Anejo
Trago Blanco
Trago Reposado
Trago Anejo
Tres Agaves Blanco
Tres Agaves Anejo
Tres Mujeres Reposado
Ultimo (1.75) Reposado
Ultimo Anejo
Viva Mexico Blanco
Viva Mexico Reposado
Viva Mexico Anejo
Volcan De Mi Tierra Anejo
VooDoo Tiki Reposado
Z - Pepe Zevada Anejo

There's probably 15-20 empty bottles not listed. Plenty of crap that I drank when I didn't know the good stuff was out there.

It's fun to collect because of the hunt. It's more fun to share with friends the stuff that you can introduce them to. If you have questions about anything on this list, ask away (probably in PM or Tequila Forum...I don't want to totally hijack a thread).

[onewman]

Great to see another collector - I started collecting tequila also, but it got very expensive, very quickly as I am somewhat of a completist and had to have the blanco, reposed and anejo of each variation. I have collected some and continue to collect a few, but these are not on my hit list.