Investment-grade whiskies are outperforming other alternative investments and commodities including gold, according to new figures.

Four-year numbers recorded between 2008 and the end of 2011 show that the "top 10" performing whiskies have grown in value by more than 400%.

Meanwhile, had you invested in the "top 100" you could be 245% better off. Or 180% to the good had you invested in the "top 250". This is according to figures compiled by valuation experts, Whisky Highland.

So, how does this compare to gold - especially considering its "renaissance" in recent times? Gold rose by 146% over the same period while diamonds rose by just 10%.

These latest figures should promote the virtues of "whisky assets" among high-end investors. Although they are already catching on...

Whisky sales in general are on the rise, with 8,500 bottles sold at auction last year in comparison to 1,500 four years ago. The global whisky markets totalled £4m in 2011.

The Dalmore 62, on display at Changi Airport in Singapore

If that isn't impressive enough, market experts reckon the 2020 whisky markets could be worth £17m, a rise of 325%. 

The booming whisky markets have been reflected in various big sales recently. Like the commuter who purchased a rare bottle of The Dalmore 62 at Changi Airport in Singapore.

He paid a World Record £125,000 price for the bottle in the airport's branch of Harrods.

Meanwhile, a bottle of Macallan 64 year old "Cire Perdue" remains the world's most expensive whisky after it sold for $460,000 in 2010.

"The demand for rare and limited edition whiskies is exceptional, and it's a trend that is set to continue in line with the uplift in other luxury goods markets," said David Robertson, rare whisky director for The Dalmore.

"We are going to see more distilleries and brands release very special whiskies which are designed to meet the growing demand from luxury consumers looking for the ultimate in unique products, whether to use and enjoy or to collect and invest."