All our casks are American Oak, 200 Litre, which have been previously used to mature Bourbon whisky. American Oak whiskey casks are prized in the whiskey industry for imparting distinct flavours of vanilla, caramel, and oak. These casks are often charred, enhancing their ability to influence the whiskey’s character during maturation. They are essential in creating rich, complex profiles in various types of whiskey.
All cask purchases are made online. Simply select your preferred number of casks upload your proof of identity, then we will send you the details to make a secure online payment.
All our casks are triple distilled, single malt, Irish whiskey. Irish whiskey distilling combines traditional methods with modern techniques to produce smooth, flavourful spirits. After distillation, whiskey matures in casks for a minimum of three years, absorbing unique flavours from the wood. This process, influenced by Ireland’s climate, results in a distinctive, high-quality whiskey celebrated worldwide.
Appearance: Rich amber with golden highlights, showcasing its prolonged interaction with the oak cask.
Nose: A harmonious blend of honey, ripe orchard fruits (apples and pears), and a subtle hint of vanilla. There’s an underlying layer of toasted oak, complemented by delicate floral notes and a whisper of spice, such as cinnamon and nutmeg.
Palate: Silky smooth with a well-rounded body. Initial flavours of caramelised sugar and dried fruits (raisins and sultanas) are prominent. As it develops, you may notice hints of dark chocolate, creamy malt, and a touch of marzipan. The oak influence is evident with a gentle spice, adding complexity without overpowering the inherent sweetness.
Finish: Long and satisfying, with lingering notes of sweet malt, oak spice, and a gentle warmth. The finish carries a touch of dried fruit and a faint smokiness, leaving a clean and balanced aftertaste.
Overall: Our aged Irish single malt whiskey offers a refined and complex drinking experience, balancing sweetness, spice, and oak with elegance. Ideal for savouring neat or with a splash of water to unlock additional layers of flavours.
Irish whiskey casks are poised to become increasingly rare and valuable due to the surging global demand for Irish whiskey coupled with the limited number of distilleries in Ireland. Unlike Scotland, which boasts over a hundred and thirty distilleries, Ireland has less than forty. This scarcity, coupled with the growing popularity of Irish whiskey worldwide, means that the availability of these casks will diminish. Collectors and connoisseurs recognise the unique flavours imparted by Irish whiskey casks, driving up their desirability and market value. As the industry continues to expand, the rarity and premium associated with Irish whiskey casks are set to escalate, making them highly sought-after assets.
Imagine the world-renowned Champagne: a sparkling wine that owes its exclusive name and unparalleled prestige to its Geographical Indication (GI) status. This elite certification guarantees that only sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France can bear the esteemed title. In a similar vein, Ireland celebrated a significant triumph in 2019 when Irish whiskey earned its own Geographical Indication status, placing it among the ranks of the most distinguished products globally.
Geographical Indication is more than just a label; it’s a testament to quality, heritage, and authenticity. For Irish whiskey, this recognition safeguards its unique identity, ensuring that only whiskey produced in Ireland using traditional methods can be called “Irish whiskey.” This certification not only honours centuries of craftsmanship but also sets a gold standard that consumers worldwide can trust.
For owners of casks of Irish whiskey, the benefits are manifold. Firstly, GI status significantly enhances the market value of their whiskey. Much like Champagne, Irish whiskey with GI status commands a premium price, as consumers are willing to pay more for a product with guaranteed authenticity and superior quality. Secondly, this designation opens doors to international markets, providing a competitive edge and boosting global demand. Finally, it offers legal protection against counterfeit products, preserving the reputation and integrity of Irish whiskey.
We work with a small, select number of distilleries on the island of Ireland who supply our casks. Please check current cask availability for the most up to date information.
Yes, we have cask owners from all over the world. We do require proof of identity to register you as the owner. The process can be completed online, and the hard copy Certificate of Ownership & Provenance can be posted to your nominated address.
Yes, an individual, private limited company or partnership can buy and own casks.
The yield will depend on the age of the whiskey, and the alcohol strength it is bottled at. Some natural evaporation will occur, known at the Angel’s Share. Up to 20% may be lost to the Angel’s Share during the first 5 years, which typically slows to 2% per year after that. As a general guide, after 5 years, a typical 200 litre cask may yield between 300 and 320 bottles of 70cl, with a generous alcohol content of 43%. This is an estimate only.
All our casks are secured stored in regulated, Bonded warehouses in Ireland. Bonded warehouses offer secure storage for alcohol and other goods under customs control. These facilities ensure regulatory compliance, prevent tax evasion, and protect valuable stock from theft. Strict security measures, including surveillance, restricted access, and inventory tracking, safeguard the integrity of the stored products until duties are paid.
Yes. Bonded warehouses are required to hold an up to date group insurance policy on every cask they store. Casks are insured for their replacement value, similar to property insurance. In the highly unlikely event your cask is stolen or otherwise irreparably damaged, it will be replace by a cask of similar age, provenance and value.
Some of our partner distilleries have visitor centres and we organise periodic trips to these, which cask owners are invited to join us on. The Bonded warehouse is a restricted entry facility, but supervised visits are regularly organised, which cask owners are also welcome to join us on.
Once you purchase the casks, you become the owner, and receive a Certificate of Ownership & Provenance. The bonded warehouse will remain in a caretaker capacity until you decide to sell them, or move them to another Bonded facility.
All investments carry some degree of risk, but casks of Irish whiskey are considered appreciating assets containing a commodity which has a residual market value. The value of an investment can fall as well as rise. Casks of Irish whiskey should be considered as a long term investment.
In the medium term the rate of growth will be modest, but significant and steady. Once they become rare (12 years and over) the casks will have the potential to have gained significant value. All returns are dependent on the prevailing market conditions, and how the casks are sold by the owner. Projections only. Past performance is not an indicator of future returns.
Secondary cask finishes are available, subject to cask availability and terms and conditions will apply. Pricing upon request. Typically, secondary casking is done three months to twelve months before bottling.
You can sell to another investor, or another brand. Your casks may also be bottled and sold under a private label or your own brand, or for a private event. Older and rare casks can also be auctioned. Where possible, Rare Irish Casks will provide guidance in selling your casks, however, it is the responsibility of the beneficial owner to sell their own casks. Terms and conditions apply and are subject to regulations.
We estimate the cost of storage and insurance will be £90* per annum, per cask, subject to market conditions and availability. *Estimate only.