The Whisky Market Shake-Up: A Buyer’s Paradise?
As a whisky enthusiast, I’ve always kept a keen eye on the ever-evolving landscape of the whisky market. Recently, a groundbreaking report by Whiskystats has sent shockwaves through the industry, revealing a significant shift in the dynamics between retail and auction prices for whisky.
A Market in Flux
The report paints a vivid picture of a market in flux, with auction prices plummeting and retail prices following suit. In the past year alone, the number of whisky bottles traded at auction houses has seen a notable decline of 5%, accompanied by a staggering 19% drop in cumulative hammer prices. These figures beg the question: Has whisky truly become a buyer’s market?
Insights from the Expert
Johannes Moosbrugger, the visionary founder and head of data at Whiskystats, offered invaluable insights into the shifting market landscape. According to Moosbrugger, the data unequivocally indicates a waning interest among buyers to pay retail prices for whisky. This trend has led to bottles languishing on shelves for extended periods, a stark departure from the rapid turnover seen in the recent past.
Brand Standouts and Surprises
Among the myriad revelations in the report, two brands stood out as leaders in the retail-auction price gap: Bimber and Longmorn. On the flip side, the auction market witnessed significant declines in the value of three Japanese brands: Chichibu (-43%), Karuizawa (-36%), and Yamazaki (-33%). Meanwhile, Glendronach and Port Charlotte emerged as the top performers of 2023, garnering high praise in Whiskybase data scrutinized by Whiskystats.
The Collector-Drinker Dilemma
In a bold move, Whiskystats introduced the industry’s first ‘collector-drinker gauge’ to juxtapose secondary market turnover against public ratings and reviews. The gauge’s findings shed light on the divergent paths of certain brands, with Macallan, Hibiki, and Yamazaki catering predominantly to collectors, while Ledaig, Kavalan, and Glen Scotia resonated more with the drinker demographic.
Embracing Change
In conclusion, the winds of change are sweeping through the whisky market, presenting both challenges and opportunities for enthusiasts and investors alike. As prices fluctuate and consumer preferences evolve, one thing remains certain: the world of whisky is as dynamic and unpredictable as the spirits it houses.
Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the latest trends and developments shaping the whisky landscape!
This article is based on a report by Whiskystats.
