
Is the stock market boring you? Consider building a collection of fine spirits. Sure, a Yamazaki Japanese whisky that recently resold for $7,200 might be a bit steep, but you can still jazz up your bar cart with some cool bottles (which might even appreciate in value). Canada's spirits scene hasn't been booming since 2020, but amid the slowdown, there has been a rising interest in options like premium tequila and Japanese whisky, priced at $50 or more per bottle. Take Patrón, for instance. A bottle is $85, which is 10% more than last year and up 123% since 2018. Before diving in, go to a few tasting events to figure out what you like. When you start your collection, go for quality and rarity. Bottles that are discontinued or limited edition often end up being worth more. But here’s a heads-up: Some brands slap a "limited edition" label on anything, so check how rare they really are. If you're looking to cash in, plan to hold onto your bottles for at least five years and store them in a cool, dim spot. When it's time to sell, your best bets are usually auction houses that conduct quality and authenticity checks. Collecting spirits isn't always a guaranteed jackpot, though. Not every bottle turns into a goldmine, so it's smart to buy ones you actually enjoy drinking.