Cask Whisky Association

Are you involved in the buying and selling of whisky casks? Are you interested in being part of an organisation that shares the same values of protecting the interests of the cask whisky industry? Would you value the support of a network of members from all areas of the industry? Have a read of our latest blog where we summarise some of the benefits of joining the CWA. #whiskycasks #whiskycaskinvestment #whiskyinvestments #investinginwhisky #whiskyadvice #caskwhiskyassociation #tradeassociation #advice #whiskyadvice #scotchwhisky #scotchwhiskyinternational #caskwhiskyindustry

Introducing Saul Kelly, Director of Fruitful Spirits a cask whisky broker and independent bottler. Q: What are the challenges you see within the cask whisky sector? A: Whisky casks are something I believe people should have access to for investment or as a hobby, but because the market is so opaque there is potential for people to get ripped off. I have seen and read down-right lies about cask investment and this really damages the reputation of the industry. It’s not good for the industry not to have any regulations or code of conduct. Some kind of 'kite mark' so they know company they are dealing with is acting in a responsible manner. I have clients sending me emails from companies offering them casks at over-inflated prices. Also people are buying casks at high prices and I am having to break it to them that it’s not worth that. That’s the problem with an unregulated industry, it’s like the wild west. Q: Why did you become a member of the CWA? A: People are saying all cask investments are scams and it’s not fair to write off the whole industry because some people are taking advantage of the system. As a fair and honest broker, I have advocated for a body like this from before its inception. @fruitfulspirits #whiskycasks #whiskycaskinvestment #whiskyinvestments #investinginwhisky #whiskyadvice #caskwhiskyassociation #tradeassociation #advice #whiskyadvice #scotchwhisky #scotchwhiskyinternational

In our latest blog, renowned whisky author Hans Offringa looks into the importance of provenance in Scotch Whisky and what the future looks like for rules and regulations around geographic identification and naming conventions. https://hubs.ly/Q02c-2l00

The City of London police are urging people not to make ‘pour decisions’ when it comes to alcohol investments. The news piece comes after the most recent notice from the Advertising Standards Agency found social media ads from a cask whisky investment company to be misleading. The City of London Police issued this warning after receiving 85 alcohol related reports of fraud with the victims reporting losses of ￡3m. As we have highlighted before; whisky investment advertising claiming guaranteed returns, or not accurately stating the associated risks will be banned from this month (January 2024). The City of London Police news article advises the public to contact them if there is any suspicion of investing in a fraudulent investments. Contact Action Fraud at https://hubs.ly/Q02cZrdn0 or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, reports of fraud should be made directly to Police Scotland on 101. #whiskycasks #whiskycaskinvestment #whiskyinvestments #investinginwhisky #whiskyadvice #caskwhiskyassociation #tradeassociation #advice #whiskyadvice #scotchwhisky #investingsafely

We’ve outlined our membership vetting criteria to ensure the CWA members uphold the highest business and ethical practices for buying and selling casks. Read more to understand what our main membership criteria's are. If you are looking to invest in a whisky cask, these can also provide some direction for what questions you should ask to give you confidence before you proceed. #whiskycasks #whiskycaskinvestment #whiskyinvestments #investinginwhisky #whiskyadvice #caskwhiskyassociation #tradeassociation #advice #whiskyadvice #scotchwhisky

A reminder that as of 2 January 2024 companies advertising whisky cask investments need to adhere to The Whisky Cask Investments Enforcement Notice. In order to protect consumers it must be made clear that ads for whisky cask investments are financial products and must abide by the ASA's advertising rules. ? Ads should make clear that the value of investments can go down as well as up; ? Ads should not state or imply that results can be guaranteed; ? If a rate of increase in investment per annum is stated it must be representative and supported by documentary evidence; ? Ads should be clear about the risks involved. Whisky Companies can view the guidance here: https://hubs.ly/Q02f0v-90

Season's Greetings and best wishes for 2024. We'd like to say a heartfelt thanks to all our members and those who supported the launch of the CWA in 2023. We look forward to bringing you more news and developments from the cask whisky industry in 2024. #whiskycasks #whiskycaskinvestment #whiskyinvestments #investinginwhisky #whiskyadvice #caskwhiskyassociation #tradeassociation #advice #whiskyadvice #scotchwhisky #scotchwhiskyinternational #thanks #seasonsgreetings #merrychristmas #happynewyear

Introducing Keith Rennie Group MD, Scotch Whisky International Keith is the MD for Scotch Whisky International, a Fife based bespoke spirits bottling and warehousing facility housing 4,500 casks. Keith has big plans for 2024 including opening one of the largest independent third party cask storage facilities in Scotland. Q: Why did you become a member of the CWA? “The main driver for us is we want regulation within the investment business to bring control to the market. The second reason is to bring credible, honourable vendors to the fore and to engage only with people with the same values. The Association will be a stamp like the Red Tractor. A badge of quality and integrity is, I think, what the CWA brings. The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) doesn’t currently support cask investment, they are more distillery focused. We are creating our area of the market focussing on cask ownership. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) doesn’t recognise it either as they see it as a traded product, not a financial one so ‘buyer beware’. We would do anything to help push towards a more regulated market.” #whiskycasks #whiskycaskinvestment #whiskyinvestments #investinginwhisky #whiskyadvice #caskwhiskyassociation #tradeassociation #advice #whiskyadvice #scotchwhisky #scotchwhiskyinternational

We’re delighted to say that since our launch in September we have received 30 enquiries from within the cask whisky industry to join the Cask Whisky Association. This is a clear sign that businesses within the industry are behind the idea of the association. The advisory board has sent out application forms to interested parties to complete before consideration for for membership. We’re delighted to be expanding the organisation and we are continuing to accept applications. We genuinely believe that wider representation within the industry is a benefit for the organisation and the cask whisky industry as a whole. Thank you to everyone who has joined the conversation, given feedback and shown an interest in getting involved. #whiskycasks #whiskycaskinvestment #whiskyinvestments #investinginwhisky #whiskyadvice #caskwhiskyassociation #tradeassociation #advice #whiskyadvice #scotchwhisky

Having a lack of paper trail for your cask is unfortunately far too common an occurrence. Without one, this could mean you may struggle to sell your cask, or if the company you bought it from goes bust, or you are unable to contact them. Then you’ll have no proof of ownership. Before making a cask purchase we recommend enquiring with cask companies what proof of ownership documentation they use and to always be diligent in following up to request a receipt and contract of ownership from the license holder. #whiskycasks #whiskycaskinvestment #whiskyinvestments #investinginwhisky #whiskyadvice #caskwhiskyassociation #tradeassociation #advice #whiskyadvice #scotchwhisky #advertising #lobbying #scotchwhiskyadvice