Thank You For Your New Make Enquiry
You will shortly receive an email with more information on our current new make cask availability.
The email contains full details on how to move forward with the purchase of a new make whisky cask and a link to book in for a call to discuss the different cask options.
If you don’t receive the email within 24 hours then please check your spam folder then contact [email protected].
Cask Buying FAQs
Will I get a delivery order?
Yes, you will receive a delivery order directly from the warehouse on completion of the sale. The cask(s) will be held under your name at the warehouse giving you full autonomy over the cask.
Do the casks have naming rights?
Yes, all the casks we offer at Mark Littler Ltd are sold with naming rights. This is because we believe it is important for the potential future value of scotch whisky casks.
What are the additional costs?
- Brokerage fee: £360 (£300 +VAT)
- Ongoing storage: Barrels/ Hogsheads @ £95 per cask per year. Butts/Puncheons @ £180 per cask per year.
- Regauge: £66 suggested every 3 to 5 years.
Optional costs
- Insurance: from c. £350 per year for up to £100,000 worth of whisky over multiple locations. Read more about insurance here.
- Samples: £70 + shipping per sample
How long do I have to own the cask?
We suggest casks should be a long term investment. Ideally new make should be held for 15 to 20 years to get the most from your investment. If you expect to need to exit before this then a young cask (4 to 12 years old) may be a more suitable option as this age range has a 10 year suggested minimum.
Are there any limitations on selling the cask?
Casks stored at the bonded warehouse we work with cannot be sold at auction.
How often should I regauge my cask?
We suggest regauging the cask every 3 to 5 years.
How many casks can I own?
You can own up to 5 casks in your name at the warehouse level. Casks held in dual or multiple names count toward both owner’s maximum.
Can I put the cask in my child/grandchild’s name?
You must be over 18 to open an account at the warehouse and hold a cask in your name via a delivery order. Casks can be held in an adult’s name on behalf of the child or grandchild, but they cannot be held purely in a minor’s name.
Can I take samples from my cask?
Yes, up to three 70cl bottles per year can be drawn as “samples” charged at £70 + shipping per bottle. More than this is classed as a bottling run and can be requested direct with the warehouse for a custom quote.
Can I visit my cask?
Yes, once your account is open and the cask is transferred to your name you can book to visit your cask. Visits for up to 6 people include a tour of the warehouse, getting your cask down and a dram on arrival cost £216.
How much whisky will be in my cask after 18 years?
The total volume of whisky in a cask drops over time, as does the alcohol content (ABV). This process is part of the natural maturation of whisky in a cask and varies throughout the lifetime of a cask. The average rate of drop in total volume is between 1% and 4% per year, it is often given as an average of 2% per year, but it is important to remember these are just average figures; the actual rates can be higher and lower than these due to natural variations in a cask and year to year fluctuations in weather conditions. The average drop in alcohol content is around 0.5% per year, again this varies.
The natural variation means there is a broad range of potential fill levels over time and that variation increases with age. Both the drop in total volume and alcoholic volume of a cask should be monitored every 3 to 5 years via a regauge, which can be arranged via the warehouse.
Can you help me sell my cask?
Yes, Mark Littler Ltd work as a cask broker helping people to both buy and sell casks. We can help sell casks over 12 years old and provide a complimentary cask valuation when the time comes. If you choose to sell through us we charge a 10% commission.
A Few Important Notes
Whisky Is An Unregulated Market
Mark Littler Ltd. is not authorised or regulated by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). Whisky casks are not an investment of a specified kind within the scope of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 nor is it a controlled investment subject to Section 21 of the Financial Services and Market Act 2000 and the Financial Promotion Order. Any and all information provided by Mark Littler Ltd relates to whisky and its value.
No information provided should be deemed to constitute the provision of financial investment or other professional advice subject to regulation under the Financial Services and Market Act 2000.
The purchase of whisky casks described or recommended in our marketing materials or on the website may not be suitable for all people. You should seek your own professional advice as to the suitability of any such purchase before you enter into any transaction.
The Inherent Vice of Cask Maturation
The volume of spirit/whisky within a cask drops over time, as does its ABV (alcohol by volume) this is part of the natural maturation of whisky but purchasers need to be aware that casks should be monitored via a regular regauge to manage the risk posed by this process. Regauge frequency should increase with the age of the cask, we suggest every 3 to 5 years for casks under 20 years old.
The ABV (alcohol by volume) of a cask must be above 40% for the contents of a cask to be classed as whisky. Casks must be matured for a minimum of 3 years before the contents can be classed as whisky.
Cask value increases slowly when the cask is young. Whisky cask investment should be viewed as a long term investment of at least 10 years. For new make Casks we suggest a 15 to 20 year hold and we do not suggest selling a cask under 12 years of age.
Returns Are Not Guaranteed
Any information relating to past valuations of whisky is not necessarily a guide to future performance. The value of your purchase may go down as well as up, and your capital may be at risk. Mark Littler Ltd. cannot be held responsible for market fluctuations and conditions for the price of whisky.