Why buy a cask of English Whisky?

With the news that yet another English Whisky recently won the accolade of "The World's Best Single Malt", demand for English Whisky is sharply on the rise.

  

Historically, Scotch whisky in cask has driven the lion's share of growth. But other sources of cask whisky are on the increase, and indeed, the growth in English Whisky Distilleries has been phenomenal in the last few years. With approximately 25 English Whisky distilleries now offering whisky in bottle, 25 more have whisky quietly maturing in cask, awaiting release.

  
Credit: Commercial Spirits Intelligence, 2024

According to the English Whisky Guild, the number of maturing whisky casks produced by English Whisky Distilleries is estimated to be 50,000 by the end of 2024.

English Whisky for purchase in cask is currently still under most people's radar, which is likely to make it an attractive consideration for investors, the on-trade, whisky clubs or enthusiasts.

All together, the huge spike in interest in cask whisky buying over the last decade, now makes it a very interesting time to explore what English Whisky in cask has to offer. While aged examples are much harder to come by (although they do indeed exist), the purchase of new-make spirit (i.e. newly distilled spirit that still requires the minimum 3 years ageing to be called whisky) is also an emerging option.

Many cask whisky buyers choose to hold and then resell a cask at a later date. Others look forward to maturing, and then bottling their cask, together with the fun of creating their own label.

  

Others may choose to give a cask as a truly special gift, perhaps as a future treat, or to mark a memorable occasion.

I was fortunate enough to be given some vintage port which I then was able to access at the grand old age of 21. I have judiciously enjoyed my port ever since, sharing it with family, friends (and sometimes just a Tuesday night) over the past 30 or so years! The pleasure of regularly enjoying such a meaningful gift continues to this day.

See the growing range of English Whisky in Cask available here at Digital Distiller.