For both collectors and investors, there is no greater asset than a whisky cask. As a tangible asset, Whisky delivers more consistent returns in turbulent times. Unaffected by external pressures the value of a cask typically increases in value as its rarity increases.

Until recently, cask whisky was difficult to purchase as a private individual. We want to change that and make whisky cask ownership as easy as possible. So whether you’re an avid whisky fan looking to create your own bottles, or even an investor looking for a tangible asset, we’re here to help you start your journey.

A cask is the wooden vessel that whisky is stored in while it matures and it plays a critical role in developing flavours. Casks can come in all different sizes and wood types, but the most common type used for whisky is a 200L ex-bourbon barrel that was originally used to mature American Bourbon. That said, whisky is regularly matured in other types of casks including sherry, wine and tequila, all of which bring their own flavours to the spirit.

Whisky is unlike many stored goods – it develops and increases in value as it ages in the cask. Purchasing casks instead of bottles is a specialist approach. But, it’s much more profitable in the long term. Unlike wine, whisky doesn’t mature in the bottle. Once Scotch Whisky is bottled, there’ll be no change in its flavour. The age statement on the bottle refers to the amount of time it has spent maturing in the cask. Its ‘age’ doesn’t change even if the bottle is kept for decades. A 10-year-old whisky will always be a 10-year-old whisky once bottled.

Generally, the longer that you leave the whisky in the cask, the higher quality it’ll be. So, older whiskies command higher prices. Purchasing casks means you’re receiving a product that will improve and develop over time. Also, tax on whisky in the bottle is much higher per LPA, (which stands for Litre of Pure Alcohol – the measure used by the whisky industry to account for the alcoholic content of a spirit), than on spirit in the cask. There’s no duty charged on the whisky as it’s maturing in a bonded warehouse either, which means it’s widely considered to be very tax efficient.

On any matters relating to tax, we strongly advise you to seek independent advice that you consider to be reliable and trustworthy. You may also find this link Gov.UK helpful.

Whisky has proved itself to be an excellent alternative investment. As a tangible asset, it offers more financial security than stocks and shares, with value usually rising with age.  Whisky casks are amongst the safest and most secure assets you can hold.

This is a potential risk of owning cask whisky, but demand has been continuing to grow for whisky over the last 30 years all around the world, so there is no reason to expect that it will fall in popularity in the near future. Quite the opposite is more likely, with continued growth.

Scotch Whisky must be fermented and distilled in Scotland, using malted barley, Scottish water and yeast to create a New Make Spirit that is then matured in oak casks for a minimum of three years and a day. The casks must be stored in Scotland throughout the maturation process. The only additive permitted is caramel.

After cask maturation, it becomes Scotch Whisky. The Scotch Whisky Regulations of 2009 mean that the quality restrictions surrounding Scotch Whisky production are strict. This ensures you’re purchasing the highest quality, luxury product. It also carefully preserves the unique flavour produced in Scotch, which is unmatched worldwide.

This refers to the amount of whisky lost during the ageing process. In order for whisky to properly age, it has to breathe. Anytime you store a liquid in a non-airtight container, you will lose some to evaporation.

However, The Angel’s Share actually plays something of a necessary role in whisky maturation.  

Casks can be described as ‘first fill’ or ‘refill’. A cask that is being used to mature Scotch for the first time is referred to as ‘first fill’. It becomes a ‘refill’ cask when used for a second or subsequent times.

The number of bottles of whisky in a cask can vary depending on the cask size and desired bottling strength. It’s worth remembering that the quantity of alcohol inside the cask can reduce by around 1-2% per year due to natural evaporation.

American Standard Barrel (200 Litres) – up to 285 70cl bottles.

Barrique (225 Litres) – up to 428 70cl bottles.

Hogshead (250 Litres) – up to 357 70cl bottles.

Butt (500 Litres) – up to 714 70cl bottles.

Many factors influence the price of cask whisky. However, new make spirit casks are usually the cheapest, starting from just a few thousand pounds.

Whisky has gained popularity as an alternative investment in recent years. While the value of whisky casks can appreciate over time, it’s important to note that investing in whisky carries risks. The market can be subject to fluctuations, and success depends on various factors such as brand reputation, rarity, age, and overall demand. It’s advisable to seek professional advice and conduct thorough research before considering whisky as an investment.

Purchasing whisky casks doesn’t mean that you need to find room to securely store your cask. Indeed, part of the process is that casks must be stored in HMRC duty-suspended bonded warehouses. These are large storage warehouses that have the added benefit that while they are stored there, you won’t pay excise and duty on them; this charge comes when you wish to bottle the cask. This means that if you aren’t looking to bottle your whisky (which is common as most cask investors look to sell them on for a profit to other investors) you won’t need to pay the excise and duty at all.

Yes, this is the reason for us to arrange to tour to Scotland for you to visit the bonded warehouse where your cask is stored. However, we given that bonded warehouses are working facilities, they have strict health and safety policies in place to prevent accidents or injury. As such, they can’t accommodate drop in visitors. We will arrange the viewing in our Scotland tour.

As per our sales and purchase agreement, you will be issued a certificate which will reference your unique cask number. Your ownership will be registered with an HMRC WOWGR-approved company and the cask number you have will be registered against your name.