The Whisky King's Vault: A Deep Dive into Rare Bottles, Market Shifts, and the Passion of Collecting

Gavin and Boris Borissov, affectionately known as the "Whisky King," engaged in a comprehensive discussion exploring their shared passion for whisky, encompassing everything from personal collecting journeys to the intricacies of the global market. Boris, whose whisky journey began in 2013 with a pivotal tasting and a subsequent trip to Islay in 2014, detailed his evolution into an avid collector, focusing on limited releases and single cask bottles. He recounted discovering rare whiskys at affordable prices in a Munich bar, a stark contrast to today's inflated market.

Their conversation delved into the dramatic surge in rare alcohol bottle prices, with both noting a tenfold increase in some cases. They explored the role of Facebook groups in facilitating private sales and the market's upheaval during the Covid-19 pandemic, when demand for rare bottles skyrocketed.

Boris, an "obsessive collector," expressed his intention to retain his collection, viewing it as a liquid asset that appreciates over time, while Gavin, now prioritizing sentimental value, discussed his shift from indiscriminate buying. They analyzed the evolution of whiskey production, noting the impact of technological advancements and increased output from brands like Logable. The current market downturn, they agreed, is partly due to inexperienced investors who flooded the market during the pandemic.

Their discussion extended to buying and auction strategies, with Gavin sharing his experience of leveraging Instagram to boost liquor store sales and his pivot to European auctions for better deals on American whisky. Boris detailed his experiences with French auction houses and whisky swaps with Japanese partners, emphasizing the importance of a diverse collection.

Boris revealed his side venture in the whisky industry, which began with a cask exchange with a friend in China and evolved into a collaborative bottling initiative. They discussed their independent bottling process, emphasizing the freedom to select and release only the finest casks, akin to a restaurant's daily special. Gavin expressed his desire to replace his investment whiskeys with independent bottlings, particularly those from the 1960s and 1970s, echoing the high regard they both held for independent bottlers like Samaroli.

They shared personal whiskey preferences and unique experiences, with Gavin favoring high-end, exclusive bottles and Boris recounting a visit to a private Japanese club boasting a rare 1970s whiskey. The conversation concluded with discussions about future travel plans to Scotland and Japan, potential visits to distilleries and bars, and attending Whisky Live events. They emphasized the importance of camaraderie within the whiskey community and the desire to experience unique whiskys before they disappear, solidifying their shared passion and dedication to the world of fine spirits.