A Guide to Buying Cask Whisky
A guide for investors and collectorsWe're put together a basic FAQ to guide you through the process of buying your first cask.
How do I buy a cask of whisky?
Buying a cask of whisky is a relatively simple process when you partner with Hedonism Wines. You can contact us here with your requirements and we'll get to work putting an offer together. Once you're happy with the offer, we'll take payment and set to work arranging for the cask to be moved from wherever it is held to your personal storage account.
Do I need a storage account to buy casks of whisky?
Yes. It's crucial that the you have your own storage account so the cask can be registered in your name and you are the legal owner. We can help you setup a storage account in partnership with Volpe and Castello, an HMRC regulated whisky cask storage facility around an hour from Edinburgh.
Can I have the cask delivered to my home?
No. Your cask remains in a bonded warehouse, in an HMRC-registered storage facility until the time comes to sell it or bottle it.
Do I have to pay for storage of my casks?
Yes. Our storage partner will bill you monthly for storage. The cost is around £20 per cask per month.
Can I get a sample of my whisky as it ages?
Yes. Samples can be obtained for around £25. Sampling is important to check how your whisky is maturing, but also if you're looking to sell your cask. Most buyers will want to taste the liquid before they make an offer to buy.
Do I need to insure my cask?
Yes. It's very important to insure your investment. Our storage partners Braeside Bond offer various packages depending on the level of insurance you're comfortable with. These are charged annually and the policies are issued by Aviva.
Can I visit my cask?
Yes. Visitors are welcome to visit casks stored with Volpe and Castello at their secure facility around an hour from Edinburgh. They require 24 hours' notice, but visits can easily be arranged.
What ownership proof do I have?
Hedonism Wines will always issue 'delivery orders' for casks sold to clients. This, along with the invoice for the purchase, is the proof that you own the cask. This means that if either Hedonism Wines or Braeside Bond go out of business, you'll still have rights to your cask. We're not planning on going out of business, but it's good to have the piece of mind!
What licenses are required to sell whisky casks?
Hedonism Wines is registered with HMRC to retail alcohol, but also as part of the 'Warehousekeepers and Owners of
Warehoused Goods Regulations (WOWGR)' scheme. Additionally, we're a registered member of the Alcohol Wholesalers Registration scheme.
What are my exit strategies?
There are four clear exit strategies for our customers. Firstly, we could help you sell your cask on the open market; secondly, we would make an offer to buy the cask from you; thirdly, we would help you send the cask to auction; and fourthly we would help you with the process of bottling the cask.
What costs do I need to account for when bottling by cask?
Additional costs include bottling fees for production, packaging, and labelling - for a basic bottling, we typically suggest allowing £10 per bottle to cover these costs, but they are ultimately set by the type of packaging chosen for the bottling.
Alongside these costs, there will be duties and taxes payable once the bottles are released from the bonded warehouse - as of 2025, duty is set at around £12 per bottle and VAT at 20% of the value of the whisky + duty.
Can I design my own label?
Yes! There are some legal requirements to consider, but Hedonism Wines can help you each step of the way.
Are there any tax benefits?
Yes. Profits from the sale of whisky casks held under bond are exempt from capital gains tax as HMRC classify them as a "wasting asset".
Additional, all casks are help in duty and VAT suspense in a government regulated bonded warehouse. This means VAT and duty is only payable when the whisky is bottled and removed from the warehouse. In this sense, it's very similar to buying wine "En Primeur".
Hedonism Wines are not financial advisors, we recommend you seek advice from a tax professional to fully understand the tax implications within your specific jurisdiction.
Are there any risks?
If you're buying for investment purchases, whisky casks are the same as any other investment - their value can go down as well as up. While whisky has a good track record of increasing in value, that's no guarantee of future performance. It's also worth remembering that whisky cask investments are not regulated in the UK. That's why partnering with an established business like Hedonism Wines with a track record in the field is important.
Another risk is liquid loss. Evaporation is an inherent part of aging spirits and can result in a gradual reduction in the volume of liquid over time. Additionally, casks are wooden vessels, and as such, they are susceptible to leaks due to wood imperfections, changes in temperature, or humidity levels. Both evaporation and leaks pose risks that can lead to a significant loss of liquid if not monitored regularly. To mitigate these risks, we recommend scheduling periodic regauges and cask checks, which can help identify any issues early and ensure the best possible care for your cask. The warehouse storing your casks can help you manage these risks.
Read more about solutions for leaking casks here.
Read our terms and conditions for more information.