Keeping samples for future reference

[krakow]

Do many of you keep samples of your bottles for your own future reference?

I was thinking of starting to do so, at least for bottles that I personally may not be able to afford or get hold of easily again, or for things that come in distinct batches or editions, or that I'm pretty sure I won't replace quickly because I'd rather spend money on trying something different but may want to compare against something else from the distillery etc.

Just curious if this is a very common practice amongst more seasoned whisky drinkers than myself!

For example, I have a bottle of the Aberlour A'bunadh batch 50, which I'm close to finishing and have really enjoyed. When I eventually get another bottle it'll be from a different batch and it would be interesting to be able to try the two side-by-side at least once.

[Acksboy]

I've heard of a few folk doing this and it certainly makes sense from a preservation angle; nothing worse than a whisky that's been left in a bottle too long!

[sorren]

I do this quite often.. but all my samples are taken at the moment I open my bottle.. I usually take two 3cl samples for myself.. this way I can see how the bottle changes and also keep a sample for another day.. I don't do it for every bottle though , just the ones I expect to be good.. but I also generally buy two bottles if I know it's of interest

[Alexppp]

I don't do it often, only with whiskies I enjoy that I know I won't be able to buy for a while - either because of rising prices or if they're discontinued. A prime example of the latter is the Glendronach 15 Revival, of which I've saved 2 samples (one from 2013 - so the whisky is approx. 18 years old - and one from 2015 - approx. 20 years old). These two will be compared with the new Glendronach 15 if and when it appears.

[jwbassman]

I also keep samples of bottles I've enjoyed

[Timp]

I do. All in 10cl glass bottles. A decent sized sample and had some interesting suprises comparing different batches of whiskies. I would definitely start it if you can, they soon build up! Think it might have been reading about batch variation in the A'bunadh that started mine come to think of it..