Scottish Whisky is thriving. With 53 bottles exported every second to 175 countries around the world (2023) and last year Scottish Whisky Visitor Centres became the country’s top tourist attraction. Made from just 3 natural ingredients – water, yeast and cereals and distilled at a single distillery in copper pot stills. Scotch Whisky must be matured in oak casks for a minimum of 3 years.
Some 22 million casks lie maturing in warehouses in Scotland waiting to be discovered .
Scottish whisky now accounts for up to 70% of all Scottish food and drink, at an estimated £4.7bn per anumn. In recent years, market figures suggest that Whisky Cask acquisitions have generated returns of between 12-20% every year.
In August 2023 the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) released new figures demonstrating that 2023 exports are continuing to deliver reflecting the global trend for consumers to choose high quality products.
SWA Chief Executive Mark Kent said:
“2022 was an exceptional year for Scotch Whisky exports, breaking records in both value and volume. So, at the half-way point of 2023, it is encouraging that the industry is keeping pace with export value, continuing to deliver significant economic growth through production and investment in Scotland and across the UK.”
Whisky casks (also known as Barrels) have been used for centuries to store and age whisky. They are the cornerstone of the production process, and without them, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the delicious drink we know and love today. More and more people are investing in whisky casks as global demand grows.
At Whisky by Time we are a London whisky brokerage who will guide you through everything you need to know and the benefits of doing so.
What is a whisky cask/Barrel?
A whisky barrel is a wooden cask used to store and age whisky. Typically, they are made from American white oak or European oak and range in size from 100-200 litres. The wood plays a vital role in the whisky-making process, with the charred interior of the barrel imparting flavour and colour to the whisky as it ages. Interestingly so to does the size. Smaller barrels tend to age the whisky faster, as there is more contact between the wood and the liquid. Larger barrels, on the other hand, can take longer to age the whisky and result in a smoother and more mellow flavour.
Aside from being a good means to generate a return, purchasing whisky casks can also be a fascinating and enriching experience. The process of making whisky is steeped in tradition and history, and owning a cask allows you to be a part of that legacy. It is a chance to connect with the rich cultural heritage of Scotland, and to be a part of a community of whisky enthusiasts that spans the globe.
When you buy a whisky cask, you are not just investing in a commodity; you are investing in a story. Each whisky cask has a unique history and character, shaped by the distillery where it was produced, the type of wood it was made from, and the length of time it was aged. Owning a cask allows you to be a part of that story, and to share in the rich tapestry of whisky culture.
Furthermore, owning a whisky cask can be a source of pride and accomplishment. It is a tangible asset that you can see and touch, and it represents a significant investment of time, money, and effort. It is a symbol of your dedication to the craft of whisky-making, and a testament to your commitment to quality and excellence.
Buying whisky casks is an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself. It is a chance to be a part of a global community of whisky enthusiasts, united by a shared passion for this remarkable spirit. By investing in whisky casks, you are joining a community of like-minded individuals who share your love of whisky and your appreciation for its rich history and cultural significance.
Buying whisky casks from our whisky brokerage is an excellent opportunity that offers a unique chance to connect with the history and culture of Scotland, to be a part of a global community of whisky enthusiasts, and to purchase a commodity that appreciates in value over time. Whether you are a seasoned investor or simply a whisky lover looking to own a piece of this remarkable spirit, buying whisky casks is a decision that you will not regret.
When you purchase a whisky cask, you are not just investing in a product, but in a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. You will be able to trace the journey of your whisky from the distillery to the barrel, and eventually to the bottle.
What’s more you can take trips to Scotland to visit the distillery where your whisky was made.
Another benefit of owning a whisky cask is the ability to control the ageing process of your whisky. You can choose to age your whisky for as long as you like, giving it a unique flavour and character. This control over the ageing process is not possible with other assets, making owning a whisky barrel a truly unique opportunity.
When the time comes to sell your whisky cask, you can sell it directly to a buyer, at an auction or bottle and sell. No matter what path you choose, our London Cask Traders can provide guidance, support and advice every step of the way.
One of the most popular ways to make money from whisky casks is to sell them for a profit. As the demand for whisky continues to grow, so does the value of whisky casks. The longer you hold on to your cask, the more valuable it becomes. You can sell your cask to a private collector, an auction house, or a whisky broker. Keep in mind that the value of your cask will depend on several factors, including the age, rarity, and quality of the whisky.
If you wait for your whisky to mature you can bottle it and sell as a premium product. This is a great way to make a substantial profit, as premium whisky can fetch high prices in the market. To ensure that your whisky is of the highest quality, it is important to store it in a cool, dry place and monitor its maturation process closely.
Distilleries are always on the lookout for high-quality whisky to use in their blends, and they are willing to pay a premium for it. By selling your whisky to a distillery, you can make a swift profit without having to go through the process of bottling and marketing your product.
The Rising Price of Whisky Barrels
Buying whisky casks through a trusted whisky brokerage such as Whisky By Time can help ensure you get the best deal possible. With our exclusive relationships with whisky distilleries, we can negotiate prices and guarantee the casks’ quality. Additionally, we store your cask in our insured warehouse, providing peace of mind knowing your investment is protected.
Whisky is a popular spirit enjoyed by many around the world. Its unique taste and aroma can be attributed to the ageing process in oak casks. The longer the whisky is aged, the more complex and refined the taste becomes. This is why buying a whisky cask can be a wise decision for those looking to enjoy a premium whisky in the future, or even those looking for a unique investment opportunity.
When buying a whisky cask, it is important to consider the reputation of the cask trader. The Whisky By Time team have been in the business of trading whisky for many years and has established a reputation for providing high-quality casks to customers around the world. Our team of experts carefully selects casks from top distilleries, ensuring that only the best casks are available for purchase.
Once you have purchased a whisky cask from Whisky By Time, you can rest assured that it will be stored in optimal conditions. Our warehouses are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to maintain the perfect temperature and humidity levels, ensuring that your whisky ages gracefully. Our team regularly monitors the casks to ensure that they are ageing properly and any necessary adjustments are made.
Investing in a whisky cask can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to do your research and choose a reputable cask trader. Whisky By Time offers a wide range of casks to choose from, including those from well-known distilleries such as Macallan and Glenlivet. Whether you are a whisky enthusiast or a savvy investor, buying a cask through Whisky By Time can be a great investment for the future.
Our partnerships with whisky distilleries have been built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect. We work closely with these distilleries to ensure that we are able to offer our clients the finest quality casks available on the market.
Our team of expert whisky brokers has extensive knowledge and experience in the whisky industry, which allows us to identify the best casks for our clients. We understand the importance of provenance, and we only source casks from distilleries that share our commitment to quality and authenticity.
One of our most exclusive partnerships is with a small, family-run distillery in the Scottish Highlands. This distillery has been producing whisky for over 150 years, and their casks are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike. We are proud to be one of the few companies that have access to their casks, and we are able to offer them to our clients at a competitive price.
In addition to our partnerships with established distilleries, we also work with up-and-coming distilleries that are making a name for themselves in the industry. These distilleries are often overlooked by larger cask traders, but we see the potential in their products and are proud to support them on their journey.
We believe that our exclusive relationships with whisky distilleries set us apart from other cask traders. Our clients can trust that they are getting access to the best possible casks, and that they are supporting the whisky industry in a meaningful way.
The Rising Price of Whisky Barrels
The price of whisky casks has been steadily increasing year after year for the past decade. With the rise in demand for Scotch whisky, it’s no surprise that the value of whisky casks is following suit. The value of whisky barrels has increased by over 500% in the last ten years, making it an attractive prospect for those looking for a stable and secure asset.
One of the main reasons for the increase in the value of whisky barrels is the growing popularity of Scotch whisky. The demand for Scotch whisky has been steadily increasing over the past decade, with more and more people around the world enjoying a dram of the golden liquid. This has led to a surge in the number of distilleries opening up in Scotland, which in turn has increased the demand for whisky casks.
Another reason for the increase in the value of whisky barrels is the fact that they are a finite resource. Unlike other commodities such as gold or oil, whisky casks cannot be produced on demand. It takes years to produce a quality whisky, and even longer to mature it in a cask. This means that the number of whisky casks available for sale is limited, which drives up the price.
Buying whisky barrels has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many investors seeing it as a safe and secure asset. Unlike stocks and shares, which can be volatile and unpredictable, whisky casks are a tangible asset that can be stored and sold when the time is right. This makes them an attractive option for those looking to diversify their investment portfolio.
However, investing in whisky casks is not without its risks. One of the main risks is the fact that the value of whisky can fluctuate depending on a number of factors, such as the quality of the whisky and the reputation of the distillery. This means that you need to do their research and carefully consider their options before buying any whisky barrels but this is where a London whisky broker such as ourselves can help.
How We Store and Insure Your Whisky
At Whisky By Time, we take the security of your investment seriously. We store all our casks in HMRC registered ‘Bonded’ facilities. These will include the distillery of origin or an independent facility. All warehouses are also temperature controlled to maintain the perfect ageing conditions for your cask.
Exit Strategy For Selling Your Whisky Barrels
When the time comes to sell your whisky cask, you can sell it directly to a buyer, sell it at an auction or bottle and sell it yourself. No matter what path you choose, Whisky By Time can provide guidance, support and advice every step of the way.
Education is an important and enjoyable part of whisky collecting, as it’s a unique world with its own language and fundamentals. We are here to guide you through. See the glossary of terms and definitions:
This is how the quantity of whisky is measured, by the litre
This is the measure of the strength of the spirit. A whisky must be at least 40% ABV to be considered such
These is a whisky made from various wholegrains, rather than a single grain/malt
This is a secure HMRC storage facility where whisky is stored whilst it is maturing
This is the wooden barrel in which whisky is stored to mature
Duty is a tax paid when you remove a cask from a bonded warehouse for bottling and onward sale to the retail market
A cask that previously contained bourbon
This is a whisky produced only from malted barley, yeast and water. Whisky is essentially just distilled beer
This is whisky pre-maturing before it’s been cask-matured for at least 3 years – a clear, potent spirit
This is a cask that has been flame-burned, which adds an additional flavour profile to the spirit
This is a test carried out every three years, after the first five years has passed, to test the alcohol strength and volume
This is a whisky that comes from a single cask
This is a whisky made from just a single malt, usually barley
This is a distillery that has ceased production but still holds an inventory of casks
Original Original litres of alcohol
Re-gauged litres of alcohol
