It is possible to buy a barrel of scotch direct from some distilleries in Scotland. This offers a distinct opportunity compared to buying through a broker (like our colleagues at Mark Littler Ltd), so in this article we’ll run through the pros and cons to consider. We’ve also included a list of Scottish distilleries with their own barrel programmes.
Why Do Distilleries Sell Barrels?
Whiskey has always been traded between distilleries in Scotland to meet blending requirements and raise capital. Selling casks direct to the public started as a way to raise capital, build awareness and give unique experiences to a distillery’s biggest fans. In many ways these reasons still dominate.
Download The Whiskey Wash X Mark Littler LTD Barrel Guide
At The Whiskey Wash, we’ve partnered with Mark Littler Ltd, whiskey barrel specialists since 2016, to bring you the definitive guide to scotch whisky barrel ownership.
Ready to make an informed decision about buying a whisky barrel? Complete the form below to download our expert guide, developed from years of industry experience and aligned with Scotch Whisky Association recommendations.
In our experience today, distilleries that sell barrels direct to the public are split into two main categories:
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- newer distilleries looking to raise capital, build awareness and provide unique experiences, or
- established distilleries looking to offer a unique VIP experience to their most loyal and high net worth customers.
Other established distilleries still trade their barrels/whiskey, just not direct to the public. These distilleries usually move whiskey in bulk as new make, or as small parcels of older barrels that they may have left over from their own bottling requirements, but you can get access to some barrels from these distilleries through brokers, like Mark Littler Ltd.
Why Buy Direct From A Distillery?
Most distilleries currently offering new make or young barrels of whisky are relatively new distilleries (in the scheme of the scotch whisky industry). Buying a barrel direct from them is a great way to support the distillery and get involved with a project you love. Many of them offer hands-on experiences throughout the barrel’s maturation, so if you’re a scotch whisky fan buying a barrel in this way can be a real dream. What’s more, as you’re buying direct from a distillery you have security of ownership.
Buying direct from a distillery gives you:
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- Experiences
- The security of direct ownership
For distilleries and parent companies with VIP offerings (for example Diageo’s Casks of Distinction), buying and bottling a mature barrel of whiskey is a way to own, create and experience something completely unique. These distilleries offer bespoke experiences at a premium price point.
Limitations When Buying Direct From a Distillery
Each distillery has its own set of limitations and conditions on barrel sales, storage and what you can eventually do with the whiskey you own. Regardless of where you decide to buy you should ensure you read and understand all terms and conditions. For example, you may be obliged to bottle the barrel at a certain point, only be able to store the barrel for a certain amount of time, or be limited on how you can sell.
The two most important things to remember are
- If you are buying the barrel to bottle you must ensure you understand future bottling costs and taxes, as these are unlikely to be included.
- If you are buying the barrel as a potential investment you must ensure that you understand any sales limitations.
Every Distillery Where You Can Buy A Barrel Of Scotch
Below you will find a list of Scottish distilleries where you can buy a barrel of scotch. They are provided as a reference only and we do not endorse or otherwise any of the below options. Please ensure you check all paperwork before you go ahead with a purchase to ensure that the options meet your needs and that you can afford any future costs.
- Borders, 200 liter barrels from £2,400
- Annandale, 200 liter barrels from £3,000
- Nc’NEan, 200 liter barrels from £4,000
- Lindores Abbey, 200 liter barrel from £4,000
- SMWS,* 200 liter barrel from £4,000
- Arran Lochranza, 200 liter barrel from £5,000 –
*The SMWS is an independent bottler rather than a distillery.
Mature Barrels Of Scotch Available Direct
Some established Scottish distilleries and their parent companies also offer barrel programmes as a VIP experience. These are mature barrels selected for their suitability for immediate or near term bottling. Prices are on application for these VIP cask ownership options.
- Chivas Brothers
- Diageo Casks Of Distinction
- Dalmore – enquire through Mark Littler Ltd.
Ready to learn more? For detailed insights and expert tips to help you navigate your whiskey investment journey download the comprehensive Whisky Barrel Buying Guide written by the team at Mark Littler Ltd.
Our colleagues over at Mark Littler Ltd have curated their most helpful articles all in one place so you can learn more about buying and owning a barrel of scotch. If you’d like to find out more about moving forward with a barrel purchase please email [email protected].
Download The Whiskey Wash X Mark Littler LTD Barrel Guide
At The Whiskey Wash, we’ve partnered with Mark Littler Ltd, whiskey barrel specialists since 2016, to bring you the definitive guide to scotch whisky barrel ownership.
Ready to make an informed decision about buying a whisky barrel? Complete the form below to download our expert guide, developed from years of industry experience and aligned with Scotch Whisky Association recommendations.
Returns on whiskey barrels are not guaranteed and the value of casks can go down as well as up.
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