Spending tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions on a whisky cask may seem extraordinary. But for those who understand the market and can commit for the long term, mature casks offer something rare: the unique experience of bottling and enjoying your own whisky.
The whisky cask market is not without its issues however. The seven insights below will help you navigate this specialized market with confidence. From understanding true ownership to planning your exit strategy, here’s what you need to know before committing to a mature cask purchase. (At Mark Littler we term ‘matures casks’ anything from 12 years onward).
As a Spears 500 advisor, Mark Littler can offer bespoke advice on buying casks of whisky. Whether you’re after a single cask for a special occasion or looking to build a portfolio, please get in touch using the form below for more information and tailor-made advice.
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If you are interested in finding out more about owning a new make or young cask whisky then you may also find our PDF cask buying guide and curated cask articles helpful.
1. Mature Casks Are Expensive
Unlike younger whisky, mature casks (12 years and older) become increasingly scarce and attract a premium for the time already invested and the increased quality compared to younger whisky.
Prices vary significantly depending on the distillery, age, cask type and the amount of whisky remaining. Expect six-figure sums for prestige names like Macallan or Springbank, and tens of thousands even for lesser-known distilleries. Understanding the market and getting professional advice is crucial before committing to a mature cask purchase.
2. Not All Casks Age Gracefully
A whisky cask doesn’t increase in value indefinitely. The angel’s share causes a loss in the amount of whisky in a cask of about 1 to 4% per year as well as a drop in the ABV over time. The legal minimum strength for scotch whisky is 40% ABV, so a cask needs to be sold, or bottled, well before it reaches this point.
When buying mature casks you should ensure you understand how these losses can impact the long term value of a cask as an asset.
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3. You’ll Need Warehouse Storage
Owning a scotch whisky cask doesn’t mean you can simply take it home. It must remain in a secure, HMRC-approved bonded warehouse in Scotland. You’ll need to ensure the cask you’re being offered comes with the offer of a warehouse that will open you an account so you can hold the cask in your name with full autonomy.
4. Understand Ownership and Regulations
Ensure the cask comes with proper documentation including a warehouse acknowledged delivery order as well as a contract of sale and invoice. If you are not getting all three of these documents then you may not fully own the cask, which can impact what you can do with the cask while you own it and how you sell.
At Mark Littler Ltd we only sell casks via a delivery order. While we are more than happy to help you sell a cask that you bought through us, owning a cask fully through a delivery order ensures you have full flexibility to bottle, move and sell your cask the way that suits you.
5. What Are The Ongoing Costs Of Owning A Cask?
As well as the cost of the cask itself there are other costs you need to consider when assessing a cask as an asset. Annual storage and insurance costs, as well as less regular sampling and regauge costs are worth considering. These costs are modest compared to the value of the cask but are ongoing.
If you intend to bottle a cask you should also consider the costs involved in bottling, shipping etc.
6. What Exit Strategy To Use
Whether your goal is private bottling, resale, or passing the cask on to collectors, you need a plan and to understand the costs involved in each option.
Bottling is more costly and complex compared to selling the cask in bond but as long as you understand that we can help. If you wish to bottle a cask for sale or for gifting we can help you create a product that matches your needs, whether it is using our beautiful in house sample labels or a completely bespoke creation.
For most private individuals buying a mature cask as an alternative asset selling the cask whole/ in-bond is the most cost effective way to exit. You can still take a few bottles as a memento. If you’re unsure which option is best for you then we can advise.
