Let’s set the scene: You walk through the door, heart pounding with pride and just a hint of bourbon-fueled guilt. Cradled in your arms is a bottle you’ve been chasing for months—maybe years. It might be a George T. Stagg, a Four Roses Limited Edition, hell maybe even a Pappy. Whatever it is, it’s rare, it’s glorious, and it cost you four crisp Benjamins. And now you have to explain to your significant other why you blew that money on something you won’t even drink.
Welcome to the high-stakes game of bourbon collecting.
Whether you're married, dating, or cohabitating with someone who doesn't quite understand the thrill of the hunt, this guide is for you. We'll walk through the strategies, talking points, and psychological ju-jitsu required to keep your bourbon passion intact and your relationship healthy.
Don't just start with the price. Lead with the story.
"This bottle took me six months to track down. I entered four lotteries, made friends at three different liquor stores, and even stood in a line at 5 a.m. in 30-degree weather. It represents effort, passion, and a little bit of insanity—but the fun kind."
Bourbon is rarely just about the liquid. It’s about the hunt, the community, the story. Your partner doesn’t have to understand it fully, but they’ll respect the dedication if you frame it in emotional terms.
Everyone has something they splurge on—even if they won’t admit it at first. Maybe it’s a purse, golf clubs, spa days, or a trip to Comic-Con.
"You remember when you got that handbag and didn’t even want to take the tags off? Or when you upgraded your skis even though your old ones were fine? This is like that."
It’s about value, not just cost. And emotional value counts.
Let’s be clear: most bourbon isn’t a guaranteed investment. But certain bottles do appreciate in value, sometimes dramatically.
"This bottle goes for $600 on the secondary market according to the Bourbon Blue Book®. I paid $400, so technically, we’re up 50%."
Just don’t push this too hard unless you actually plan on flipping bottles (and remember, in some states that’s legally murky). Still, the potential resale value softens the blow and shows it wasn't just an impulse buy.
Trading one luxury for another can go a long way. If you passed on something else to afford the bottle, make it known.
"I skipped the new driver this year. I held off on upgrading the grill. I didn’t get that extra set of tires. This was my splurge."
Make sure your partner knows it wasn’t frivolous—it was a choice.
This is where things get tricky. You bought bourbon, but you’re not going to drink it?
Yes. Welcome to the paradox of the collector.
"Some bottles are meant to be saved for something really special—a milestone, a retirement, a 50th birthday. If I open it now, it’s gone. If I keep it, it becomes part of something bigger."
Help them understand that this bottle isn’t just sitting. It’s aging in your collection. It’s accruing meaning.
Not all partners will share your enthusiasm for bourbon, but many will appreciate being invited into the experience.
"How about this: We open one of my other bottles and I walk you through a tasting flight. Or we go out to that bourbon bar and I buy you the nicest cocktail they have."
A little give-and-take makes it less about the bottle and more about shared enjoyment.
Gently remind them that you could have worse habits.
"I could be into boats. Or muscle cars. Or motorcycles. Bourbon is relatively inexpensive by comparison. And I store it in a cabinet, not a garage."
Sure, this is a cliché argument, but it works—especially when you include maintenance costs, gas, parts, or the number of hours spent yelling at eBay.
Honesty is key in relationships. That said, maybe don’t lead with, "I panicked at the counter and impulse-bought it."
Stick to the truth, but keep it composed:
"I had a budget in mind, and when I saw this bottle, I knew it was one of those once-a-year opportunities. I considered it carefully and pulled the trigger."
Even if it was a heart-over-head moment, show that you weren’t reckless.
Sometimes, disarming the conversation with a little self-deprecation goes a long way.
"You’re right. I’m a grown adult who just spent $400 on something I won’t drink. But hey, at least I’m not building a life-size Millennium Falcon in the backyard."
Make them laugh. If they’re laughing, they’re not mad. Probably.
At the end of the day, the goal isn't to win the argument—it’s to help your partner respect your passion, even if they don’t share it.
If your collecting is hurting your finances or creating tension, that needs to be addressed honestly. But if it’s a hobby you budget for, derive joy from, and engage in responsibly, there's no reason it can't coexist with a healthy relationship.
Let them see the enthusiasm, the thought, the care behind the hobby. Because when it comes to bourbon, it’s never just about what’s in the bottle.
It’s about what it means to you.
So next time you walk through that door, bottle in hand and sheepish grin on your face, take a deep breath. You’ve got this.
And if all else fails?
Just say, "At least I didn’t buy another guitar."
Cheers.
Discover the Power of the Bourbon Blue Book®
In the fast-moving world of bourbon collecting and trading, guesswork costs money. Whether you're buying, selling, or just watching the market, you need real numbers—not hype.
The Bourbon Blue Book®, exclusively in the Bourboneur App, delivers the most accurate, verified, and up-to-date secondary market pricing available—covering nearly 7,000 bottles and growing.
No fluff. No filler. Just real pricing based on real sales, updated regularly so you can stay ahead of the market.
At just $3/month or $25/year, it's a no-brainer that pays for itself with your first smart move.
👉 Download the Bourboneur App on iOS or Android and get instant access to the Bourbon Blue Book®.
Real data. Real value. Right at your fingertips.
.png)
If you’re all about discovering standout bourbons, smart investing, and staying ahead of trends in the whiskey world, join our community of over 26,000 fellow Bourboneur’s.
👇 Scroll down and subscribe to our weekly email list for the latest bottle drops, market insights, and bourbon reviews.
And hey—don’t forget to show us some love on:
• TikTok
Whether you’re here for flavor notes, bottle recommendations, or just good vibes and whiskey wisdom, you’re in the right place.
0 Comments