How to Invest in Bourbon in 2025 + Best Assets to Pick
- Greg White
- Mar 30
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 30
Investing in bourbon is gaining momentum as rare whiskey casks and bottles soar in value.
In February 2025, an 18-year-old Old Rip Van Winkle bottle sold for over $23,000 — highlighting just how much rare bourbon can appreciate.
But like any investment, bourbon has challenges, including recent trade tensions and tariff hikes that could impact global demand and resale potential. Still, strong domestic interest, limited supply, and bourbon’s prestige keep the investment outlook promising.
Keep reading to learn how to invest in bourbon, what to watch out for, and how Spirit Vault makes bourbon cask investing more accessible than ever.
This Bourbon Investing Guide Covers:
Investing in Bourbon in 2025: 3 Rock-Solid Strategies to Try
With the right strategy, investing in bourbon can yield significant returns.
Here are three proven approaches to maximize returns:
Let’s dive into each one.
1. Invest in Bourbon Casks
One of the best ways to invest in bourbon is by putting your money into barrels of Wyoming Bourbon "Aged at Elevation."
Why this bourbon?
Wyoming Bourbon "Aged at Elevation" is uniquely crafted at high altitudes, where extreme temperature fluctuations enhance its flavor complexity.
Made from premium grains and pure mountain water, this bourbon matures in a charred oak barrel and appreciates significantly as it ages.
Limited production and the aging process boost demand, giving it a strong resale value.
The premium and craft bourbon segments are growing strongly, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 4.2% from 2025 to 2034. And the bourbon’s unique “Aged at Elevation” characteristic stands out in this competitive market.
Invest in Wyoming Bourbon "Aged at Elevation" With Spirit Vault
Spirit Vault makes bourbon whisky cask investment straightforward, secure, and highly rewarding for bourbon enthusiasts and investors.
Leveraging over 50 years of whiskey industry experience and an extensive network, we provide exclusive access to premium spirit barrels — including Wyoming Bourbon "Aged at Elevation."
Each barrel is securely stored in fully insured, bonded facilities, ensuring your asset’s safety, authenticity, and long-term value. And you don’t have to pay any management fees!
Here are more reasons why investors choose Spirit Vault for bourbon barrel investment:
Fair Pricing with Revenue Sharing: Unlike competitors who significantly mark up newly distilled bourbon barrels, our revenue-sharing model with esteemed bourbon distilleries ensures you always pay fair prices, potentially leading to higher returns.
Strategic Exit and Growth Opportunities: Want to sell? Our extensive bourbon industry connections give bourbon enthusiasts and investors multiple exit channels, ensuring you can quickly and profitably cash out or reinvest.
A Hands-On Experience (If You Prefer): Enhance your bourbon investment journey with facility tours and personalized bottling options to connect more deeply with your assets.
Spirit Vault manages all logistics — from quality inspection and secure storage to authentication and resale — so you can invest in bourbon barrels with confidence and zero hassle.
Ready to grow your investment portfolio with premium bourbon?
2. Buy Rare and Limited Edition Bourbon Bottles
Rare and limited edition bourbon bottles appreciate rapidly due to scarcity, high demand and exceptional quality.
Some examples include:
1990 George T. Stagg Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($3,900):
Price of this rare bottle in Nov 2023: $729 → Price in Feb 2025: $3,900
2018 Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($1,372):
Price of this Kentucky bourbon bottle in May 2023: $846 → Price in Feb 2025: $1,372
To maximize returns, invest in bottles from leading distilleries and pick options with proven appreciation history and verified provenance.
3. Consider Bourbon Stocks and Private Investment Vehicles (Funds)
Investing in bourbon stocks or specialized funds lets you tap into the growth of the bourbon industry without direct ownership of individual barrels or collectible bourbon bottles.
Here are two options based on market performance and growth potential:
Brown-Forman Corporation (BF.B): Proven track record of growth and shareholder value with iconic brands like Jack Daniel's and Woodford Reserve.
The Bourbon Reserve (Bourbon Fund): Invest in the bourbon market through Whiskey Equity Investment Trusts (WEITs) that focus on acquiring and aging premium bourbon barrels.
And there you have it — the top ways to invest in bourbon.
But which option gives you the best long-term value?
Bourbon casks tend to offer more control, flexibility, and value than bourbon bottles or whiskey investment funds. Here’s why:
Longevity and Appreciation: Unlike bottled bourbon, which stays the same once sealed, bourbon in a cask continues to age and improve. Thanks to the porous oak barrel and the unique environment it’s stored in, it develops richer flavor and greater value as it matures.
No Management Fees: Starting your bourbon whiskey cask investment journey through Spirit Vault helps you avoid the higher management fees associated with investment vehicles (funds).
Bulk Investment Advantage: Buying a bourbon cask rather than bottles allows you to invest in bulk, reducing the cost per unit and increasing the potential for higher returns on a larger volume.
Less Market Saturation: While the market may be flooded with various bottled bourbons, aging barrels offer a unique niche that attracts serious collectors and investors. This reduces competition and enhances potential returns.
How Much Does Bourbon Investing Cost?
Spirit Vault provides individual investors with more accessible entry points into the market, with prices starting at $1,400 per bourbon barrel.
By comparison, other companies charge more — for example, $1,750 (Vinovest), $2,400 (Barrel Global), and $2,800 (Whiskey & Wealth Club).
Why Invest in Bourbon? 4 Key Benefits to Consider
Investing in high-quality bourbon offers a unique mix of stability and strong returns.
Here's why individual investors are increasingly turning to bourbon:
Portfolio Diversification and Inflation Hedge: Alternative investments like bourbon can diversify your investment portfolio and offer protection against inflation. Unlike traditional investments that fluctuate with economic downturns, bourbon’s appreciation is tied to aging and scarcity.
Long-Term Appreciation Potential: Well-aged bourbon barrels and limited-edition bottles often appreciate over time, offering impressive long-term investment returns. As mentioned earlier, an alternative asset like the Wyoming Bourbon "Aged at Elevation" cask holds strong investment potential due to the specialized aging techniques and high resale value.
Tangible Asset Investment: Since it’s a physical commodity, bourbon can be a more secure and tangible investment opportunity than digital assets. And if you decide to sell this tangible asset, various exit strategies are available, like auctions and private collectors. Remember: If you invest in this American whiskey through Spirit Vault, we handle the sale process and connect you with top buyers to maximize your returns.
Limited Supply and Growing Global Demand: Strict production rules and long aging periods limit bourbon supply. Meanwhile, global demand for this alternative asset continues to surge, boosting the spirit’s rarity and investment potential.
What Are the Risks Involved in Bourbon Investment? (+ Solutions)
Investing in high-quality bourbon has strong potential — but like any investment, it comes with risks, such as:
1. Market Volatility
The value of an alternative investment like bourbon can fluctuate significantly due to consumer preferences and whisky market trends. Additionally, global events, such as escalating trade tensions, can impact demand and short-term prices.
What can you do?
Diversify your bourbon investments, focusing on domestically strong brands or premium bourbon whiskey casks.
Also, regularly follow market trends and whiskey industry news to adjust your strategy proactively.
2. Counterfeit Bottles
There’s a risk that you might invest in forged or counterfeit whisky bottles that could lead to significant financial losses.
Fraudsters have been known to refill empty bottles of highly coveted brands like Pappy Van Winkle with cheap whiskey and sell them online as the real deal.
What can you do?
Purchase exclusively from trusted and reputable bourbon distilleries, and always verify your bourbon’s authenticity through proper documentation and certification.
And if you want to put your money into legitimate bourbon whiskey barrels, your best bet is to invest with Spirit Vault. We conduct thorough quality inspections and authentication and also partner with leading distilleries to ensure the authenticity of every whisky cask.
3. Storage and Maintenance Issues
Bourbon’s quality (and thus its value) can decline significantly if stored improperly, leading to potential losses on your whiskey investment.
Fluctuating temperatures, excessive humidity, or poor handling during storage can accelerate evaporation (also known as the "angel’s share"), decreasing both volume and value.
What can you do?
Use professional storage services that maintain optimal conditions for aging bourbon.
Bourbon whiskey investment platforms like Spirit Vault offer fully insured, bonded facilities with precise control over temperature, humidity, and security, preserving your bourbon’s value.
Unlock the Potential of Bourbon Investing Today!
Bourbon has evolved beyond a beloved American whiskey into a valuable asset with impressive returns. This spirit offers stability, helps you diversify your portfolio, and serves as a hedge against inflation.
Ready to invest in this coveted spirit?
At Spirit Vault, we provide exclusive access to premium bourbon whiskey barrels, secure storage, and expert guidance to help you navigate the world of bourbon whiskey cask investment with confidence.
Book a call today and discover how Spirit Vault can help you capitalize on this exciting investment opportunity.