Why do people buy whisky casks?

A question you may find yourself asking if indeed you are yourself considering buying your own single cask of whisky and if it is right for you.

We have found working with our clients across the world that there are a multitude of reasons and motivations for purchasing a whisky cask or in fact multiple casks and building a cask spirits portfolio.

These motivations for buying into a piece of Scotch Whisky history can typically be separated into personal purchases and business purchases.

‍

Personal Buyers

• Hobby or Passion - There is no greater way to indulge your enthusiasm for whisky than to own your very own cask. The perfect conversation piece and an adventure into enjoying whisky in its rawest form and allowing you to get creative. 
• Alternative Investment - One additional benefit to owning a whisky cask can be the increase in value as the whisky matures. It is an exciting byproduct of rare single malt Scotch whisky. The older it gets the more typically the better quality and more desirability. Compounded by angels' share losses and consumption, older whisky casks can reach eye watering values.
• Gifting - A common reason our clients buy casks is to a generous and thoughtful gift. Whether that is for the birth of a new child or as a very generous gift to family member or even as a gift to sweeten a property deal, we have helped many clients select the perfect cask to gift.
• Bottling for personal use - One of the often overlooked benefits of owning your own whisky cask is that you can bottle it and enjoy it yourself or with anyone lucky enough to share it with you. We have bottled everything from 10 year old Linkwood with an exciting finish to rare and incredibly valuable 30+ year old Macallan for discerning and well funded whisky enthusiasts, it is the ultimate adventure into whisky and leaves your mark in Scotch whisky history.
• Bottling to commemorate a special occasion or event - Bottling your very own whisky to commemorate a special occasion or event can be a wonderfully unique way to celebrate and encapsulate that special memory. Whether a wedding, a milestone birthday, a lifetime achievement or an anniversary. 

‍

Business Buyers

• Independent Bottlers - In an ever growing and immensely exciting corner of the whisky industry you will find the independent bottlers. Businesses unearthing, curating and celebrating the very best of single malt, single cask Scotch whisky. Usually in its truest form, at cask strength and as unique as a fingerprint where no two casks are the same. Often giving daylight to whisky distilleries that are scarcely seen on the market and ensuring these rare casks can be enjoyed by whisky lovers the world over.
• Alternative assets - Businesses will often acquire assets that diversify the business holdings and support growth and stability. We have worked with many businesses internationally to help support their goals of diversification and sustainable growth.
• Corporate Gifting - There is nothing quite as unique as a whisky cask being gifted but better still is a carefully crafted and branded whisky bottle designed with your business in mind and elevating your brand. High end single malt Scotch whisky tells a one of a kind story and shows your appreciation for quality.
• Marketing - A business branded whisky bottle can be an excellent marketing tool to elevate your brand and gain new eyes on your business as well as being an excellent billboard for your prospective customers to take away with them or to reward your best customers.
• Bottling to commemorate a special occasion or event - Bottling your very own whisky to commemorate a special occasion or event can be a wonderfully unique way to celebrate and encapsulate that special moment. Whether a partnership, a business milestone, an industry event or awards or an annual bonus.
• Brand Association - When bottling your very own whisky cask, in most cases, you are able to mention the name of the distillery that produced the whisky. Of course many of Scotland's distilleries carry immense prestige and having your own business brand associated alongside that of an ultra-premium Single Malt Scotch Whisky brand can be incredibly valuable.

‍

This is by no means a comprehensive list of reasons that someone might be interested in buying a cask, as with anything this unique the motivations are deeply personal. The secret to ensuring you find the perfect whisky cask for your goals is to ensure you work with a well connected but ultimately understanding supplier. There is a world of possibility with over 22 millions casks of whisky maturing in Scotland at any one time, so a little expert guidance can go a long way to ensure your goals are met.

If you are looking for help with your own venture into cask whisky ownership then get in touch with the team here at Tailored Spirits for any cask spirits enquiries, design, branding and bottling, we will be more than happy to guide you - info@tailoredspirits.co.uk