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Why invest in whisky casks?
On average, Scotch whisky has delivered uplifts up to 12% PA in some cases. Due to the liquor’s popularity and a healthy export market, the auction selling prices of collectable and rare varieties have reached record levels. Annual whisky exports have been growing for the past thirty years. While past performance is not a guarantee, demand for premium quality liquor is greater than ever. In their 2019 wealth report, wealth management experts Knight Frank listed whisky as a top-performing alternative investment. Scarcely seen bottles had increased in value by up to 40 per cent, outstripping other well-established asset classes such as fine art, wine, and cars. Tangible assets tend to give greater financial security and are, therefore, an attractive option for many investors. Unlike bonds and shares, whisky is not a crowded market.
The WOWGR (Warehouse and Owners of Warehoused Goods Regulations) is a certification that is required in order for a person residing in the United Kingdom to be able to legally take ownership of a whisky cask for revenue producing purposes. There is a caveat to these requirements that allows private individuals to take ownership of casks if they are not doing so for the purpose of generating revenue and the amount of alcohol they are purchasing falls under a certain threshold. As an alternative to the complexities of traditional ownership, HWC’s Portfolio Management service allows investors to avoid these requirements by storing whisky purchases under our WOWGR umbrella. Under this arrangement HWC acts as the custodian for client casks thereby avoiding the requirements that an individual apply for a WOWGR.
No, you don't! Highland Whisky Clan offer FREE storage and insurance on all casks. Casks are stored in bonded warehouses in Scotland & Ireland.
Casks vary in capacity based on barrel type. Here are some common barrel types and their approximate capacity: Barrel: 190-200 litres (approximately 270-285 bottles) Hogshead: 225-250 litres (approximately 320-355 bottles) Butt: 475-500 litres (approximately 675-715 bottles)
Whisky cask investment can be the perfect opportunity for tax-savvy investors, whisky casks are NOT subject to capital gains tax. However, your whisky would be subject to taxes if you bottled your cask of whisky at the end of your investment; you would pay both VAT and Duty. Before making a final decision to invest in whisky casks, we highly recommend consulting your personal tax professional as each investor’s financial and tax situation is unique.
Spirit can legally be described as Scotch whisky after being aged in an oak barrel for 3 years, at which point it is generally regarded as mature. However, whisky continues to appreciate in value the longer it is left in the cask. When whisky matures in the cask, the spirit interacts with the barrel and continues developing flavour and character as time passes. A 25-year-old whisky in the bottle is worth significantly more than a 5-year-old whisky; the same is true with casks. Whisky in the cask increases in value exponentially as time passes: casks that are already advanced in age witness the greatest projected year on year returns, and investors who allow their casks to mature for a longer period of time experience the greatest gains.

Disclaimer

Ordering from Highland Whisky Clan requires a minimum age of 18

*Highland Whisky Clan is not a tax professional nor a financial consultant. If you want more clarity or assistance regarding the purchase of cask whisky, please contact your financial advisor and tax professional.

We are not financial advisors, and the material in our brochure and on our website is intended solely to teach you about the Scottish whisky business so that you may make an informed decision if you choose to purchase a cask. In the first case, we recommended that you consult with your financial advisor.

The price of cask whisky can fluctuate in both directions. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the process of buying casks or any of the topics discussed in this book or on our website.

If you would want to taste or bottle your cask. Please be advised that tax and VAT will be required prior to bottling the whisky and removing the completed product from the HMRC-licensed warehouse. The owner of the cask stays responsible for this.

Every three years, it is recommended to do a health check on your cask. The client must pay for the following cask services: reweighing, samples, and pictures.

We may borrow certain Frequently Asked Questions from other sites.

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