Dank cellars are a gold mine for some drinkers. Rather than opening a bottle of wine — or, in some cases, a can of beer — right away, some hobbyists let their alcohol sit on racks for many years to develop complex flavors. And for Americans in particular, one of the most popular collectible beverages is bourbon.
Collecting bottles of the corn-based American whiskey became a common hobby during the so-called “bourbon boom” of the 21st century, but some of the most coveted bottles date back much earlier. And while the boost in sales has waned and the American whiskey category now faces an oversupply, the prices for allocated bourbons keep climbing higher.
