The first factor to consider is the amount of time you’re willing to wait for your investment to mature. New Make Spirit needs to be aged inside an oak barrel for at least three years and a day before it can legally be sold as Scotch Whisky. Although three years is the minimum amount of time, typically the longer you’re willing to wait, the more valuable your investment can become. For those looking for a shorter holding period, casks of aged spirit are readily available although as you can imagine, they are usually valued higher.

The second factor to consider is your budget. Cask prices can vary greatly, depending on a number of factors, including age, distillery, and rarity. It’s important to have a clear understanding of how much you’re willing to spend before you start looking for a cask in order to set realistic expectations. It’s also worth keeping in mind that the initial purchase price is just the beginning of your journey, you’ll need to pay for storage and insurance costs if those haven’t already been included with your deal.

The style of whisky you’re interested in can also play a crucial role in your cask selection. Some people prefer the smoky, peaty flavours of Islay whiskies, while others prefer the sweeter, fruitier notes of Speyside whiskies. This can help you narrow down your cask options and ensure that you’re investing in something you truly enjoy. This is especially important for those purchasing a cask with a view to bottling it.

Finally, it’s important to consider your risk appetite when investing in a cask of whisky. Like any investment, there is always a risk that your cask won’t increase in value as much as you had hoped. For those looking for a safer investment, it’s best to stick to well-known distilleries with long-standing reputations. For those looking for a more lucrative investment, exciting new distilleries with lower price tags might just turn into future classics that command a serious return!

Investing in a cask of whisky is a fun and exciting process, but it’s important to consider the factors discussed above before making your purchase. By taking the time to research your options and fully understand your goals, you can find the perfect cask for you and your goals.

Our dedicated team is here to help guide you through your cask ownership journey and answer any questions you may have. For free, expert advice speak to one of our dedicated Portfolio Managers today.

Alternatively, you can view our current stock of casks by logging into the online portal here.  Our online portal is now also available on mobile, with dedicated apps for both iOS and Android.