FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have created a comprehensive guide of questions you should ask before buying a cask of whisky.
What is Casks of Significance?
Casks of Significance offers discerning clients access to rare and investment-grade Scotch whisky casks. We specialise in cask ownership with a focus on legacy, transparency, and control — allowing you to bottle, sell, or hold as you wish. We manage every stage in-house, from cask selection to warehousing, sampling, and exit strategies.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We facilitate the global delivery of bottled whisky once matured and bottled. Cask storage remains in HMRC-bonded warehouses in Scotland. International shipping of bottles is available to most regions, subject to local alcohol import laws.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept international bank transfers. All transactions are invoiced in GBP unless otherwise arranged.
Can I cancel or amend my order after purchase?
Once a cask purchase is confirmed and the Delivery Order is issued in your name, cancellations are not permitted due to the bespoke nature of ownership. However, if you need to adjust bottling timelines or discuss sale options, our team is here to support.
What is your return or refund policy?
As whisky cask ownership is a regulated and asset-based transaction, returns are not applicable. Should there be a fault in bottling or fulfilment (e.g. damaged packaging or incorrect shipment), we will rectify the issue promptly.
How are my casks stored and protected?
All casks are stored in HMRC-bonded warehouses in Scotland, insured at replacement value. They remain under ideal maturation conditions, monitored and managed by our team, with the option to request samples, regauging reports, and site visits by appointment.
Is there an age restriction for purchasing casks?
Yes. You must be of legal drinking age in your country and over 18 to own a cask. Verification may be required.
How can I track my cask or get updates?
You’ll receive documentation including a Delivery Order, warehouse reference, and annual regauge reports. Optional 70cl sample bottles are available upon request. Regular client briefings ensure full transparency over your asset.
Can I bottle my cask?
Absolutely. Once the whisky has matured to your desired age, we can handle the entire bottling process — including label design, custom packaging, and international delivery. You can choose to bottle all or part of your cask.
Do you offer gifting or legacy options?
Yes. We specialise in milestone cask gifting — for births, anniversaries, corporate legacies, or generational planning. Gifting a cask is a meaningful, long-term gesture with custom presentation and naming rights available.
How do I contact you?
Reach out via our website’s contact form or book a one-on-one consultation. Our team is based in Singapore and the UK, with availability for virtual or in-person briefings.
Do I legally own the cask if I invest through your company?
Yes. Upon purchase, you receive a Delivery Order (DO) issued by the bonded warehouse in your name. This is the gold-standard legal proof of ownership and ensures your rights under UK law.
How can I verify the authenticity and existence of my cask?
Each cask is assigned a unique number and stored in our HMRC-regulated bonded warehouse. We provide full documentation, including DO, warehouse certificate, and detailed cask specifications. Clients are welcome to visit or request samples.
What is regauging, and how often should it be done?
Regauging measures the cask's remaining volume and ABV. This process helps monitor cask condition and value. It is typically done every 12–24 months.
Can I rerack my cask into a different type of barrel?
Yes. Re-racking allows your whisky to be transferred into a different cask, such as sherry, port, or wine barrels, enhancing flavour and value. We offer expert guidance and full transparency throughout the process.
How do you assess a cask's value and potential?
We consider fill level, ABV, cask type, maturation history, market demand, and current trading benchmarks. We work backwards from the raw price of an independent bottling of your brand in the UK, multiplied by the number of bottles in the cask.
What are my options when I want to sell my cask?
We offer three primary exit strategies:
Private Bottling – bottle your cask under your own or our independent label (Halcyon Spirits)
In-House Auctions – sell through our trusted auction partners with full provenance
Trade Sale – sell directly to our network of bottlers, retailers, and corporate clients
Can I bottle the whisky myself?
Yes. We assist with label design, packaging, compliance, and logistics. Duty and VAT are payable before bottled stock leaves bonded storage.
Is there a minimum holding period before I can sell?
No lock-in. You can sell anytime, although holding longer may result in greater returns, particularly at key ageing milestones (12, 18, 21 years).
What are the storage charges for my cask?
Storage is billed annually and includes full insurance. Rates are transparent and are 1% of the cask value with UK VAT of 20% on that value.
Is my cask insured?
Yes. Your cask is fully insured against fire, theft, and accidental damage while in our care. We ensure all assets are covered at full replacement value.
Can I visit or taste from my cask?
Yes. Clients may visit our bonded warehouse or request 70cl samples (shipping permitted based on destination laws).
What documents do I receive upon purchase?
You will receive
Delivery Order (legal title in your name)
Purchase invoice and payment receipt
Warehouse certificate with storage number
Regauge and sample report (where available)
Cask information sheet (distillery, fill date, cask type, ABV, etc.)
What documents do I receive upon purchase?
Your cask is part of your estate and may be inherited. We support the legal transfer of ownership to your next of kin or designated beneficiary.
Who are your typical clients?
Our clients include:
High-net-worth individuals seeking asset diversification
Collectors and connoisseurs
Corporate buyers for gifting, events, or brand partnerships
Families marking life milestones
Private wealth offices and boutique investment firms
How do you ensure I’m not overpaying?
We publish transparent price-per-bottle metrics, reference recent auction results, and share real-time market data. Our goal is to ensure clients buy at fair and justifiable valuations.
Do you bottle under your own brand?
Yes. Our award-winning label, Halcyon Spirits, allows us to bottle exceptional casks with full design and production capabilities. This gives clients added flexibility and brand value if bottling for resale.
Before you purchase a cask, always ask:
Will I receive a Delivery Order in my name?
Can I see the latest regauge or sample report?
Is the cask stored in a bonded warehouse?
What are my options to bottle or sell?
What post-sale support do you offer?
Avoid companies that avoid these questions or offer unrealistic guarantees. Transparency, documentation, and control should always be non-negotiable.