I am assuming that you collect with the intent of making it a versatile home bar setup that you can enjoy on special occasions or share with close friends.
While name brands are great based, building a collection basis recall or flavour profile won't give your setup a unique DNA. You should ideally collect specialty if you're travelling outside, that brings back the essence of where you've been.
On that note, there definitely is some science behind it as well depending on factors, but let's not delve there at the moment.
Single Malts: Lagavulin, Ardberg or Talisker if you want to go classic. Yamazaki or Hakushu if you prefer the modern subtle. Though, Indian single Malts like Indri or Gianchand do the trick well.
Try unique blends like Nikka Coffee whisky or port charlotte for a more distinct offering.
Bourbon: Woodford reserve or wild turkey if you don't want to risk much, otherwise Basil Hayden is the way to go. Got to try the rare eagle or something once as well which was brilliant, so definitely a must.
Gin: Ukiyo or Roku if you like Japanese, Haymans for basic gin for cocktails and a good ol Monkey 47 or Hendricks for a proper G&T feels. Though Indian gins have more to offer, likes of hichki or doja.
Beyond this, good to collect liquers while travelling if you love cocktails because those are usually expensive in India due to lack of Indian brands I'm the space.
A good addition could be sweet Vermouth, Camapri, Aperol, Contreau, Amaretto and others. These would be a great addition along with other ancillaries like Angoustura bitters or other enhancers.
Hope this helps, happy to share more if you have specific asks or geography that you are travelling to:) I've made it more specific to either US or UK based travel
