The whisky market is shifting. New analysis reveals surprising whisky trends, including sliding auction prices and a fast-growing price gap between retail and auction. Here is the Whiskystats Insights Report for 2023.

Our 2022 Insights Report told a tale of two years: whisky auction prices increased through March, then plunged sharply. The Whiskystats Insights Report for 2023 tells a story of two markets: retail and auction.

Has Whisky Become a Buyer’s Market?

The downward trend in whisky value that started in 2022 continued throughout 2023. The Whiskystats Whisky Index fell 18.3%, the most significant annual setback over the past ten years. The gap between retail and auction prices widened drastically. With price differences as much as 50-75%, it was far cheaper to buy whisky at auction than at retail.

Retail price changes of older whiskies—especially those aged between 26 and 30 years—far exceeded the inflation rate. Buyers’ willingness to purchase whisky at retail prices dropped significantly. And even for those whiskies that did eventually sell, bottles remained on shelves much longer than in past years.

On the secondary market, whiskies that had gained significant value during the COVID era lost those gains as auction prices fell back to late 2020 levels. For the first time in years, lower price segments (whiskies below €250) increased auction market share.

Our report walks you through whisky brand performance, falling auction market prices, and the retail-auction price gap. You can download your free copy of the Whiskystats Insights Report 2023 here.