Create a Bourbon Collection

Whether you drink it, display it, or both, there are plenty of reasons to take your enthusiasm for bourbon up a notch

Story by Elizabeth Poland Shugg
Photos by Chris Shugg and Elizabeth Poland Shugg

Bourbon enthusiasts develop an appreciation for different distillers’ ingredients, processes—even bottle designs. They know hours went into every detail of how the bourbon and its bottle was crafted, and understand the importance of deliberately savoring each sip.

Perhaps that’s why so many of them become bourbon collectors.

“My father bought me a bottle during a visit to my home,” says Scott Reynolds of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I had little exposure to bourbon, or even whiskey, at that time, but I was curious. So, I purchased a couple other bottles over the next few weeks and it took off from there.”

That was in 2021. Three years later, Reynolds has accumulated 353 bottles in a collection that just sort of … happened.

“When the bourbon collection was overtaking the pantry, it was time to build a bar, which has transformed a storage space into a home SpeakEasy,” Reynolds says. “Building furniture is my hobby, so a few boards and some iron elements, along with furnishings from around the house and from the attic completed the look.”

Scott and Lynn Reynolds of Chapel Hill, North Carolina

There is no preordained template for how to collect or display bourbon, but The Barrell Tap, an online bourbon distributor, boils it down to three tips.

Decide if You Will Drink It or Display It

Some collectors like to sample the bottles in their collection, while others are more interested in displaying rare and exclusive bourbons. Or, you can do a little of both. If you’re primarily a sampler, purchase bottles with unique expressions or single-barrel curing. If you’re displaying it, look for bourbons produced in limited numbers, since the bottle’s prestige is more important than its flavor profile.

Try It Before You Buy It

Most distillers offer a tasting room or bar with bourbon cocktails in addition to straight-up samples, so you can try a small pour before you buy an entire bottle. Seek out bars that serve a variety of bourbons and visit distilleries when they offer a new release, recipe, or limited edition bourbon.

“Spend time developing your palate so you can understand what you like,” Reynolds suggests, adding that his favorites change as he discovers new distilleries. “Once you have a base of interest you can seek bourbons that meet those and expand from there.”

Focus on a Few—or New—Distilleries

You’ll likely spend a fortune if you try to hit every bourbon distillery you discover. Instead, focus on a few that have done well on the auction market or snagged prestigious awards. It might cost a little more, but your purchases will hold their value.

Also consider new or small-batch distilleries, which typically offer exclusive bottles at reasonable prices since they haven’t had time to establish their brand within the market. It may take longer for these investments to become valuable, but your startup costs will be lower.

What makes your bourbon collection unique may not be the bourbon at all.

“For me, it’s a unique space to showcase the collection, personalized (etched) tasting glasses, and related books and magazines,” Reynolds says, adding that the hunt for new bourbon is thrilling, but sharing it is the best part. “A bottle of bourbon that took years to develop deserves to be enjoyed with friends.”

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Bourbon Cranberry Smash

Here’s a bourbon cocktail perfect for any occasion. Trick it up for holiday dinners with a sprig of rosemary and cranberry garnishes.

Recipe provided by Scott and Lynn Reynolds