Building Your Whisky Collection
Starting a whisky collection really only requires two things: bottles of delicious whisky, and 2 glasses, so you can share the amber elixir with someone you love.
But if you’re looking for suggestions beyond the bare minimum, we have a list of all the accoutrements you could ever need. (Note: we earn a commission from the affiliate links below, at no extra cost to you.)
As far as bottles go, a truly great collection consists of the bottles that resonate most with you, and keep you well stocked in the essentials for making a variety of classic drinks: think Old Fashioned, the Perfect Manhattan, and our favorite Paper Plane. But if you’re just getting started, we recommend going to your local store and buying one of every mini bottle you can find. For about $40, you can taste your way through all the classics, from Buffalo Trace to Johnnie Walker to Tullamore Dew. Make note of what you like, and then start building from there. Don’t like the smokiness of peat? There are 5 others Scotch regions to taste and the entire spectrum of Irish whiskey to explore. Prefer a lighter, sweeter, or fruity profile? Consider sampling a variety of Japanese whisky and bourbons. Like a bit of bite? Try Canadian rye. Don’t look at the price- look at the bottle. The more information it provides, the better the contents are likely to be, and we’ll feature a guide to reading a bottle in coming weeks.
A few of our suggestions for bottles that are budget-sensitive, widely accessible, and beginner-friendly:
If you’re looking for a smoky and peaty Scotch, Laphroaig 10 is a great first bottle. Other excellent options include the Ardbeg 10 or the Talisker 10.
For a solid bourbon, you can’t go wrong with Four Roses Bourbon, a classic Kentucky spirit. Upgrade to the Small Batch for a premium sip.
Irish whiskey? We’d recommend Redbreast 12 for a great classic flavor profile.
For a bottle of rye whiskey, you can’t go wrong with Woodford Reserve’s Straight Rye Whiskey.
Variety is the spice of life, and there are dozens of geographies to sample, once you’ve worked through the basics. Looking for to expand your horizons? Try an Indian whiskey. Tropical notes? Taiwanese. Want a bit of a novelty spirit? Peanut butter whiskey. Whatever you enjoy, do so in good company, and always in moderation.
Just setting up your bar cart? Here’s a list of our favorite must-haves:
A solid Glencairn glass is a must for any budding whisky connoisseur: https://amzn.to/4guTX45
Copita style glasses: https://amzn.to/4gDFDGC
The essentials- a good bottle, a Glencairn glass, and a dropper bottle for carefully adding a drop of water to open up the flavor. Photo © 2026 WargamesandWhisky.com
Rocks glass: https://amzn.to/4zYxxjj
Dropper for adding water: https://amzn.to/4ijIUvZ
Invest in an ice design tray to really impress your friends and make any whisky cocktails fit for photographing. We own - and regularly use - several from this brand, which even has a variant in partnership with one of our favorite bars, Death and Co.: https://amzn.to/4guTX45
Stirring glass for making cocktails: https://amzn.to/4gCxZMG
Stirring spoon: https://amzn.to/4xGhViY
Shaker: https://amzn.to/3Tf0BT9
A mat, to clean your cocktail making area safe and clean: https://amzn.to/4gVt2gP
Coasters, because you’re not a heathen: https://amzn.to/4hbnBLV
This fancy bartending kit that you can carry with you and dramatically open to wow your friends and enemies: https://amzn.to/3Tf0EhN
Lamp toppers to turn those special empty bottles into functional decor: https://amzn.to/4yniDS9
Whisky journal to record your impressions and track what you like: https://amzn.to/4hbwpBn
