Sample calculation for a private cask of whisky
Of course you want to know now what it will cost to have your own cask of whisky - and I have to say: it depends.
It depends on many factors, such as
- general availability of the distillery's whisky from which you want your private cask
- the size and type of the cask you are looking for
- if it is a freshly filled or pre-matured cask of whisky
The following sample calculation may give you a general idea based on a standard cask of an average whisky:
It covers average costs and taxes as of summer 2007. Any particular cask will need to be re-calculated based on the actual cost situation at the time of offer.
And after all, we must not forget that a cask of whisky is a raw food product in development: As with wine you cannot predict if the outcome will be an average or very special vintage. But unlike wine, a Scotch Single Malt will not have to be poured away because it is corky.
During the maturing process you can draw annual test samples from your cask to see how the whisky develops and decide if you want it finished in another cask (e.g. port or sherry) or when it will be ready for bottling. If it does not develop in the way you like, you may sell it back to the distillery for blending or to private bottlers.
Finally: As in any other investment, no guarantee can be given concerning the outcome and profit as much depends on the development of the market, costs, taxes or other governmental regulations.
