Who doesn't love a good sip of whiskey? A proper whiskey collection needs to have a bottle perfect for just about any drinking occasion - from a contemplative after-dinner drink to a celebratory sip. 

Are we going to list off some bottles to complete your whiskey collection? You betcha! More than that, we're going to talk you through some important details like how to store your whiskey collection or how to even start one if you're starting from scratch.

Ready? Grab a drink and read on.

How to Start a Whiskey Collection

A whiskey collection doesn't just happen overnight. It has to be curated to the person meant to enjoy them. Sure, grabbing bottle after bottle will eventually give you a sizable collection - but it won't feel as satisfying or as intentional. It doesn't feel like a bar that can deliver what you're craving at certain moments. 

We think the best place to start when collecting is to get bottles you actually want to drink. How do you find out what those are? Research, tasting nights, and sample bottles. Even visiting a bar and getting a taste is a good way to get a taste. 

The next limiting factor, which also happens to be a very important one, is your budget. A whiskey collection doesn't have to be filled with top-shelf booze. You can find excellent bottles of whiskey at reasonable prices. This will also make your purchases more intentional rather than impulsive. Buy with purpose. When you add a bottle, ask why it belongs on your shelf. Is it for sipping, for cocktails, for aging, or for special occasions? Bottles that serve a clear purpose are more likely to be enjoyed and less likely to collect dust.

Document your bottles. Keep a simple log with the bottle name, purchase date, price, and tasting notes. This will allow you to rotate bottles and revisit them. This way, you get to catalog how time has affected your bottles or how your own tastes have evolved.

How To Store Your Whiskey Collection

Although whiskey keeps well, you should still care for them. After all, you spent the time and money on your bottles. Luckily for us, whiskey storage shouldn't be too difficult - even for new collectors. 

Keep your whiskey upright, standing on its base. You don't want long-term contact between the liquid and the cork. It can degrade the cork and alter the taste of your whiskey.

Bottles should also be kept in a cool and dark place. Bottles also love moderate humidity. No dryness. Ambient lighting is fine, but no direct sun or heat. If you can, keep them stored in a dark cabinet. Open storage may expose the spirit to UV light, which can break down compounds in the spirit and fade labels. You don't want that.

Whiskey to Start Your Collection With

Here, we have a list of bottles you might want to pick up for your whiskey collection. We've given you a quick introduction for each, but we strongly urge you to click through and check out the bottle pages themselves to get more information on them. Happy researching! 

1. Buffalo Trace Bourbon 

Buffalo Trace Bourbon is a great benchmark bourbon to compare against higher-end releases and limited editions. It is dependable and versatile, great for simple sipping or even elaborate mixing.

2. Jameson Irish Whiskey 

Jameson Irish Whiskey is light, fruity, and smooth, which makes it a perfect everyday dram and a friendly introduction to Irish whiskey. Collectors love it, and we're sure budding enthusiasts can appreciate it.

3. Johnnie Walker Black Label 

Johnnie Walker Black Label blends malt and grain whiskies from across Scotland to deliver smoke, fruit, and malt in a premium package. If you want a blended Scotch that will teach you balance, this is it.

4. The Macallan 12 Year Old 

A flagship single malt, The Macallan 12 Year Old is famous for its dried fruit, vanilla, and rich oak character. It is a must for anyone who wants to understand sherry influence and the classic Speyside profile.

5. Maker's Mark 101 Proof Bourbon

Maker's Mark 101 Proof Bourbon is a wheated bourbon that brings warmth and sweetness. It is a familiar name for casual sippers and a great bottle for those who like a sweeter bourbon that still stands up in cocktails and in neat pours.

6. Lagavulin 16 Year Old 

The Lagavulin 16 Year Old is the bottle you reach for when you want a bold, memorable dram. Including it in your collection gives you a clear point of comparison for smoky versus non smoky whiskies.

7. Glenlivet 12 Year Old 

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old is a classic Speyside single malt that is light, floral, and fruit-forward. This will be a great contrast to the usually smoky offerings from other distilleries, helping you to learn different profiles in the long run.

Enjoy Building Your Whiskey Collection

Even if you have a list now, you shouldn't really go and grab all of them all at once (even though we won't complain). Country Wine & Spirits knows that collecting whiskey is a process and not just an impulse purchase. After all, the journey is also what makes collecting whiskey fun!