Buy Buy, Baby: $14,000 Macallan Whisky

Typically, a whisky won't just hang around for half a century. Its age is based on the length of time it spends in the cask. About 95% of all whiskies have their coming-out parties when they turn 10 to 12 years old. Beal says whisky loses nearly 2% of its water and alcohol each year it spend in the barrel.

"It depends on the cask, of course, but it results in a very concentrated flavor," Beal says. "Sometimes it can be exquisite, but sometimes it can be a big disappointment."

Whisky experts admit the rarity of the Macallan releases make them worth the risk. But if you're paying five figures for a bottle, you should at least have a sip with friends. Howell says vintages with such history should be savored on special occasions, not stowed between trophies to collect dust.

"Collectibles are Hummels, crystal jumping-heart dolphins," he says. "Whisky is whisky. It should be drunk."