Own your own whisky cask: Who can invest, how it works and what to look out for all explained

If you love whisky, then investing in your hobby could really appeal.

But even if you’re not a fan of a dram but are looking for a new investment, this growing market could be something to consider.

Becoming a cask owner is not just an expanding market, it’s also a much easier process than you may think, thanks to companies who specialise in this area. Whisky Partners are one such company, they help people from a wide variety of backgrounds – seasoned investors to curious novices.

And with the whisky market itself booming, there are casks available to buy from leading distilleries throughout Scotland and investment opportunities available from just a few thousand pounds.

Why consider whisky?

In general investments can be a low or high risk return, and of course there are no profits guaranteed. But mostly the interest is in the bottom line – the return for your money – and not in the companies or commodities you invest in.

But with whisky that’s a little different. It offers something more interesting – and tangible – than traditional bonds or stock market offerings and, so far, has suffered far less from market swings.

A big plus for buying into whisky casks is that it is capital gains exempt – in other words you keep every penny of profit. The reason is this: a small percentage of the spirit in your whisky cask will naturally evaporate over time – it’s called the Angel’s Share – and because of this it is classed as a ‘wasting’ asset and isn’t subject to this tax.

Whisky Partners cover all the storage and insurance costs, so you know up front what your outlay will be – there are no nasty surprises and they will organise all that for you.

You may have your own favourite distillery or be new to the whisky world – either way you will be well advised to do some research but a good starting point is this Whisky Partners’ Free Guide is a good place to start.

Whisky is not to be rushed

A good quality dram of malt whisky should be savoured – after all, it takes time to make and you should take time to enjoy it.

And the same goes for your investment – whisky isn’t for the quick-turnaround profit.

The industry is highly regulated and to be called Scotch whisky the spirit has to be matured for at least three years and a day in a cask, but the more sought-after casks have often been in the warehouse for a decade or more.

Whisky Partners explained: “The best results come from those willing to own their casks for longer periods of time, allowing enough time for the liquid inside to mature into the smooth, golden liquid the world desires.”

Why chose Whisky Partners

The company has dedicated Portfolio Managers. As a client you will be assigned one of them to look after your investment. It’s their knowledge and contacts in the industry which will be able to help you make the best investment – and when the time comes, they can advise on when might be the best time to sell.

Selling can take place at whisky auctions or you may sell on to another investor. You could even take the cask and have it bottled – your own personal malt whisky to enjoy for years to come.

Whisky Partners say as with any investment, there are no guarantees, but it’s a market that is often more stable than some traditional routes.

Find out more in the It’s your cask, your choice section.

You can download the Whisky Partners app here iOS and Android to browse what is available, make purchases and manage your casks, wherever they are stored in bonded warehouses across Scotland, from the comfort of your own home.

For more information and to begin investing, download Whisky Partners’ free guide.

This is paid for content on behalf of Whisky partners, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Yorkshire Post. As with all financial investments, your investment may go down as well as up, and people re recommended to take financial advice.