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Overview

Track your spirits collection with detailed fields for distillery, age statements, ABV, bottle numbers, and limited editions. Perfect for whiskey collectors, bourbon enthusiasts, and rare spirits investors.

Spirits Tracking Features

  • Spirit type and category
  • Distillery and brand tracking
  • Age statements
  • ABV (alcohol by volume)
  • Limited editions and bottle numbers
  • Cask information
  • Provenance and purchase history
  • Collection organization

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Adding Spirits

1

Navigate to Add Item

Click “Add Item” from your dashboard or go to storehouses.app/add
2

Select Spirits

Choose “Spirits” as the category
3

Enter Spirit Details

Fill in distillery, type, age, and specifications
4

Document Bottle

Add bottle number, limited edition details, packaging
5

Upload Photos

Add photos of bottle, label, box, and documentation
6

Save

Click “Save Item” to add to your collection

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Spirits Fields

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Distillery and Brand

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Distillery or producer nameScotch examples:
  • Macallan
  • Glenfiddich
  • Lagavulin
  • Ardbeg
  • Highland Park
Bourbon/American examples:
  • Buffalo Trace
  • Heaven Hill
  • Jim Beam
  • Wild Turkey
  • Four Roses
Japanese examples:
  • Yamazaki
  • Hibiki
  • Nikka
Other:
  • Hennessy (Cognac)
  • Rémy Martin (Cognac)
  • Mount Gay (Rum)
Use the official distillery name for consistency
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Brand or expression nameExamples:
  • Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak
  • Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve
  • Blanton’s Single Barrel
  • Lagavulin 16 Year
  • Don Julio 1942
Format: Include age statement and special designations

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Spirit Type and Category

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Type of spiritMain categories:
  • Scotch Whisky (Single Malt, Blended)
  • Bourbon (Kentucky Straight Bourbon, etc.)
  • Rye Whiskey
  • Irish Whiskey
  • Japanese Whisky
  • Tennessee Whiskey
  • Canadian Whisky
  • Cognac
  • Armagnac
  • Rum (Dark, Light, Aged, etc.)
  • Tequila (Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo)
  • Mezcal
  • Gin
  • Vodka
  • Other Spirits
Be specific - include style when relevant (e.g., “Single Malt Scotch” vs just “Scotch”)
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Subcategory or styleScotch subcategories:
  • Single Malt
  • Single Grain
  • Blended Malt
  • Blended Scotch
Scotch regions:
  • Islay (peated, maritime)
  • Speyside (elegant, fruity)
  • Highland (diverse styles)
  • Lowland (light, floral)
  • Campbeltown (maritime, complex)
  • Islands (varied)
Bourbon styles:
  • Straight Bourbon
  • Wheated Bourbon
  • High Rye Bourbon
  • Bottled in Bond
Rum styles:
  • Agricole
  • Jamaican
  • Barbados
  • Demerara

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Age and Specifications

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Age statement or maturation periodFormat examples:
  • “18 Year”
  • “12 Years Old”
  • “25 Year Old”
  • “NAS” (No Age Statement)
  • “21 Años”
Multiple ages:
  • Some blends: “Aged 12-25 Years”
  • Solera systems: “Solera 23”
Important notes:
  • Age = time in barrel (not bottle)
  • Younger for some spirits (rum, tequila)
  • NAS can be excellent (focus on quality)
Age doesn’t always equal quality, but affects value significantly
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number
Alcohol by volume (percentage)Examples:
  • 40.0 (standard strength)
  • 43.0 (common premium)
  • 46.0 (non-chill filtered common)
  • 50.0 (100 proof)
  • 57.1 (cask strength example)
  • 60.5 (barrel proof example)
Categories:
  • 40-43%: Standard strength
  • 45-50%: Higher proof
  • 50-60%+: Cask/barrel strength
Higher ABV often indicates cask strength or barrel proof - no water added
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number
Proof (U.S. standard)Conversion: Proof = ABV × 2Examples:
  • 80 proof = 40% ABV
  • 90 proof = 45% ABV
  • 100 proof = 50% ABV (Bottled in Bond)
  • 120 proof = 60% ABV
Either ABV or proof is sufficient - they convert directly

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Limited Editions and Numbering

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Bottle number for limited releasesFormat examples:
  • “Bottle 523 of 5,000”
  • “#1234/10000”
  • “Barrel 17-B-38”
  • “Cask #4582”
Use for:
  • Single barrel selections
  • Limited edition releases
  • Single cask bottlings
  • Numbered series
Low bottle numbers (especially #1) can command premiums
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Edition or release typeExamples:
  • “Limited Edition”
  • “Single Barrel”
  • “Single Cask”
  • “Cask Strength”
  • “Barrel Proof”
  • “Store Pick”
  • “Private Barrel Selection”
  • “Master Distiller’s Reserve”
  • “Anniversary Release”
Special releases:
  • Annual releases (e.g., George T. Stagg)
  • Commemorative editions
  • Experimental/finished casks

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Cask and Maturation

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Cask type or finishCommon casks:
  • Bourbon Cask (Ex-bourbon barrel)
  • Sherry Cask (Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez)
  • Port Cask
  • Wine Cask (Sauternes, Bordeaux)
  • Rum Cask
  • Virgin Oak (New charred oak)
  • Mizunara Oak (Japanese oak)
Multiple casks:
  • “Double Cask” (matured in two cask types)
  • “Triple Cask”
  • “Finished in [type]” (e.g., “Sherry Finish”)
Example:
  • “Matured in Ex-Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry Casks”
  • “PX Sherry Cask Finish”
Cask type significantly affects flavor profile and collector interest

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Packaging and Condition

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Bottle sizeStandard sizes:
  • Miniature (50ml)
  • Half Bottle (375ml)
  • Standard (750ml) - Most common
  • Liter (1000ml)
  • Magnum (1500ml) - Rare
Note: Most spirits sold in 750ml
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Original packaging includedOptions:
  • Full Set - Bottle, box, certificate, everything
  • Box and Certificate
  • Box Only
  • Bottle Only
Luxury packaging:
  • Wooden presentation box
  • Leather case
  • Crystal decanter
  • Display case
  • Certificate of authenticity
Original packaging, especially for rare releases, adds significant value
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Condition of bottle and contentsBottle:
  • Pristine (perfect, sealed)
  • Excellent (minimal wear)
  • Very Good (light wear)
  • Good (some wear, intact)
Fill level:
  • Full (perfect)
  • High Shoulder
  • Mid Shoulder (concern for old bottles)
Seal:
  • Intact/Sealed
  • Broken/Opened
  • Resealed
Opened bottles lose most collector value but can still be tracked for personal inventory

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Provenance

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Purchase history and sourceInclude:
  • Where purchased
  • Purchase date
  • Original release date
  • Allocation/lottery info
  • Previous ownership (if known)
Examples:
  • “Purchased from distillery visitor center May 2023”
  • “Won in state lottery allocation 2022”
  • “Single barrel store pick - Total Wine”
  • “Purchased at auction, Sotheby’s 2021”
  • “Direct allocation from distillery mailing list”
Provenance especially important for rare allocated bottles (Pappy, BTAC, etc.)

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Spirit Categories

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Whiskey

Single Malt:
  • One distillery, malted barley only
  • Regional characteristics
  • Age statements common
  • Most collectible category
Regions:
  • Islay: Peated, smoky (Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Laphroaig)
  • Speyside: Elegant, fruity (Macallan, Glenfiddich, Balvenie)
  • Highland: Diverse (Dalmore, Glenmorangie)
  • Lowland: Light, floral (Auchentoshan)
Investment: Older expressions (18+, 25+, 30+ year)
Requirements:
  • 51%+ corn in mash bill
  • Aged in new charred oak barrels
  • Produced in USA (mostly Kentucky)
Allocated/Rare:
  • Pappy Van Winkle (all ages)
  • Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC)
  • E.H. Taylor lineup
  • William Larue Weller
  • George T. Stagg
Single Barrel: Often store picks, unique flavor profilesBottled in Bond: 100 proof, 4+ years, single distillery/season
  • 51%+ rye grain
  • Spicier, drier than bourbon
  • Growing collector interest
Notable: WhistlePig, Thomas H. Handy (BTAC), Michter’s
Top distilleries:
  • Yamazaki, Hakushu (Suntory)
  • Yoichi, Miyagikyo (Nikka)
  • Hibiki (blend)
Characteristics:
  • Influenced by Scotch tradition
  • Refined, delicate flavors
  • Limited availability
  • Premium pricing
Investment: Age-stated Yamazaki, limited editions
  • Triple distilled (typically)
  • Smooth, approachable
  • Growing premium segment
Notable: Redbreast, Green Spot, Midleton Very Rare

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Brandy

Designations (age):
  • VS (Very Special) - Minimum 2 years
  • VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) - Minimum 4 years
  • XO (Extra Old) - Minimum 10 years
  • XXO - Minimum 14 years
Top houses:
  • Hennessy, Rémy Martin, Martell, Courvoisier
  • Louis XIII (extremely premium)
Grades:
  • Grande Champagne (finest)
  • Petite Champagne
  • Borderies, Fins Bois
  • Older tradition than Cognac
  • Single distillation
  • Often vintage dated
  • Excellent value vs. Cognac

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Other Spirits

Categories:
  • Aged Rum: Dark, premium aged
  • Rhum Agricole: French Caribbean, cane juice
  • Jamaican: Funky, ester-forward
  • Barbados: Elegant (Mount Gay, Foursquare)
  • Demerara: Rich (El Dorado)
Collectible: Vintage rums, limited releases, independently bottled
Tequila categories:
  • Blanco/Silver: Unaged
  • Reposado: 2-12 months aged
  • Añejo: 1-3 years
  • Extra Añejo: 3+ years
Premium brands: Don Julio, Clase Azul, PatrónMezcal: Artisanal, smoky, diverse agave varieties

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Tracking Examples

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Example 1: Rare Allocated Bourbon

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2023 Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year
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Buffalo Trace Distillery
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Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year
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Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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23 Years
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number
47.8
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number
95.6
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750ml
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Full Set - Box and Certificate
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Pristine - Sealed
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Won in Kentucky state lottery allocation, November 2023. Original purchaser, never opened.
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currency
$299.99
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currency
$5,500

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Example 2: Single Cask Scotch

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Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak Single Malt
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Macallan
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Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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Speyside
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18 Years
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number
43.0
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Oloroso Sherry Casks
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750ml
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Full Set - Presentation Box
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currency
$350
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currency
$380

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Example 3: Limited Edition Japanese Whisky

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Yamazaki 25 Year Single Malt
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Yamazaki (Suntory)
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Japanese Single Malt Whisky
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25 Years
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number
43.0
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Mizunara Oak and Sherry Casks
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700ml
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Full Set - Wooden Box and Certificate
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Pristine
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currency
$3,200
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currency
$4,500

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Best Practices

Why provenance matters:
  • Proves authenticity (counterfeits exist)
  • Documents allocation/lottery wins
  • Increases resale value
  • Important for rare bottles
What to document:
  • Purchase location and date
  • Receipt/invoice
  • Lottery confirmation (if applicable)
  • Store pick details
  • Original owner (if secondary)
Upload to Storehouses:
  • Purchase receipts
  • Allocation confirmations
  • Certificates of authenticity
  • Photos of purchase/allocation
For allocated bottles (Pappy, BTAC), save lottery confirmation and original receipt
Optimal storage:
  • Upright (not on side like wine)
  • Cool temperature (60-70°F)
  • Away from sunlight (UV degrades spirits)
  • Stable temperature (avoid fluctuations)
  • Low humidity (preserves labels)
Why upright:
  • High-proof spirits degrade corks
  • Prevents cork taint
  • Preserves seal integrity
Long-term storage:
  • Consider parafilm on cork/cap seal
  • Climate-controlled space
  • Away from heat sources
Direct sunlight and heat can degrade spirits and fade labels
Essential photos:
  • Front label (clear, readable)
  • Back label (proof, details)
  • Top of bottle (seal condition)
  • Bottle number (if numbered)
  • Original box/packaging
  • Certificate of authenticity
  • Fill level (for old bottles)
  • Any damage or issues
For investment bottles:
  • Multiple angles
  • Close-ups of important details
  • Serial/bottle numbers
  • Proof of provenance
  • Seal condition
Photograph upon receipt - documents condition at purchase
Resources for valuation:
  • Secondary market (Facebook groups, Reddit)
  • Auction results (Sotheby’s, Acker)
  • Online retailers (Caskers, ReserveBar)
  • Local stores (for current retail)
High-value categories:
  • Pappy Van Winkle (all ages)
  • Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
  • Japanese whisky (age-stated)
  • Old/rare Scotch (25+ years)
  • Single barrels/limited editions
Update regularly:
  • Allocated bottles can appreciate quickly
  • Annual updates for collection
  • Before selling
Secondary market prices can be 10-20x retail for allocated bourbon
Use Storehouses collections:
  • By type: “Bourbon”, “Scotch”, “Japanese Whisky”
  • By status: “Sealed Investment”, “Open for Drinking”
  • By value: “Daily Drinkers”, “Special Occasions”, “Investment”
  • By distillery: “Buffalo Trace Products”, “Macallan”
  • By storage: “Home Bar”, “Cellar”, “Safe”
Track location:
  • Specific shelf or cabinet
  • Home bar vs. storage
  • Easy retrieval
Separate investment bottles from drinking bottles in your organization
Consider insurance for:
  • Bottles over $500-1,000
  • Allocated bottles (Pappy, BTAC)
  • Collections over $10,000
  • Rare/discontinued expressions
Coverage options:
  • Valuable articles rider (homeowner’s)
  • Collectibles insurance
  • Specific spirits insurance
Documentation needed:
  • Purchase receipts
  • Photos of bottles
  • Current market values
  • Provenance documentation
  • Storehouses export
Market value often much higher than purchase price for allocated bottles
Once opened:
  • Value drops significantly (not “collectible”)
  • Still useful to track for personal inventory
  • Update status in Storehouses
Preservation:
  • Consume within 1-2 years for best quality
  • Store upright, sealed
  • Keep away from light and heat
  • Consider smaller bottles for long-term (reduce oxidation)
Note in Storehouses:
  • Update bottle condition to “Opened”
  • Adjust value (personal consumption value)
  • Track fill level if monitoring consumption
Never represent opened bottles as sealed if selling - this is fraud

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Investment Considerations

Spirits as Investments

High-appreciation potential:
  • Pappy Van Winkle (all ages)
  • Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
  • Japanese whisky (age-stated, limited)
  • Very old Scotch (25-50+ years)
  • Single cask rarities
Factors affecting value:
  • Rarity and limited availability
  • Age statement (older = more valuable)
  • Distillery reputation
  • Original packaging completeness
  • Provenance documentation
  • Bottle condition/seal integrity
Risks:
  • Market can be volatile
  • Counterfeits (especially high-value)
  • Storage/handling damage
  • Legal restrictions on resale (varies by state)
  • Costs of storage and insurance
Best practices:
  • Buy from reputable sources
  • Document everything
  • Store properly
  • Insure valuable bottles
  • Track market trends

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Common Questions

Check these factors:
  • Rarity: Limited releases, discontinued
  • Allocation: Was it allocated/lottery item?
  • Age: Older age statements more valuable
  • Distillery: Prestigious names command premiums
  • Condition: Sealed, pristine condition essential
Research value:
  • Secondary market groups (Facebook, Reddit)
  • Completed auction results
  • Online spirits retailers
  • Collector communities
Most valuable:
  • Pappy Van Winkle (any age)
  • BTAC releases
  • Old Japanese whisky (Yamazaki 25+)
  • Very old Scotch (30+ years)
  • Rare single barrels
Keep sealed if:
  • Rare/allocated bottle
  • Investment purpose
  • High secondary market value
  • You have duplicates (drink one, keep one)
Open if:
  • Want to enjoy it (spirits made for drinking!)
  • Not particularly rare
  • Have multiple bottles
  • Personal consumption collection
Middle ground:
  • Buy two: one to drink, one to keep
  • Open lower-value bottles
  • Keep rare/allocated sealed
Remember: spirits are made to be enjoyed. Balance collecting with drinking.
Best practices:
  • Upright (always, never on side)
  • Cool (60-70°F), stable temperature
  • Dark (away from sunlight/UV)
  • Low humidity (preserves labels)
  • Secure location
For very long-term:
  • Parafilm around cap/cork seal
  • Original box if available
  • Climate-controlled space
  • Inventory tracking
Avoid:
  • Direct sunlight
  • Temperature extremes
  • High humidity (damages labels)
  • Storing on side (damages cork)
Poor storage can damage seals and degrade spirits over decades
Yes, counterfeits exist, especially for:
  • Pappy Van Winkle
  • Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
  • Old rare Scotch
  • Japanese whisky
  • High-value bottles
Protection:
  • Buy from reputable sources only
  • Check seals and labels carefully
  • Verify bottle details (weight, glass, printing)
  • Document provenance
  • Be wary of “too good to be true” deals
Red flags:
  • Suspiciously low prices
  • Private sales without provenance
  • Poor label quality
  • Incorrect details (proof, age, etc.)
  • Seller reluctance to provide details
Only buy rare/expensive bottles from authorized retailers, reputable auctions, or proven collectors
Short answer: Sealed spirits don’t spoilUnopened bottles:
  • Stable indefinitely if stored properly
  • High alcohol content preserves liquid
  • May lose some volume over decades (evaporation)
  • Corks can dry/degrade (very old bottles)
Opened bottles:
  • Oxidation begins
  • Best consumed within 1-2 years
  • Won’t “spoil” but flavor degrades
  • Low-proof spirits (liqueurs) more susceptible
Issues:
  • Cork disintegration (very old bottles)
  • Evaporation through seal (decades)
  • Label degradation (cosmetic only)
Unlike wine, spirits don’t mature in bottle - won’t improve over time
Low numbers more valuable:
  • Bottle #1 - significant premium
  • Bottles #1-100 - modest premium
  • Bottles #1-10 - noticeable premium
Other special numbers:
  • #007 (for Bond fans)
  • Matching sets (same number, different bottles)
  • Last bottle in series
When it matters:
  • Single barrel releases
  • Small batch limited editions
  • Commemorative releases
When it doesn’t:
  • Very large releases (10,000+ bottles)
  • Standard age-stated releases
  • Regularly available bottles
For true collectibles, low bottle numbers (#1-50) can add 10-20% to value

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