Cask Whisky Association - Protecting Whisky Enthusiasts and Investors

Article Date: 2 October 2023

In a world where the allure of whisky and its investment potential continue to grow, a new bastion of trust has emerged to safeguard the interests of both enthusiasts and investors alike. On the 21st of September 2023, the Cask Whisky Association (CWA) officially stepped into the scene, promising to usher in a new era of transparency, reliability, and responsibility in the realm of cask whisky ownership and transactions.

Comprised of two distinguished boards, the CWA unites a diverse array of stakeholders, including cask whisky businesses, distilleries, independent bottlers, whisky experts, legal professionals, and insurance specialists—all dedicated to shaping the future of the whisky industry. With an unwavering commitment to promoting ethical practices, the Association aims to shield customers and fortify the whisky sector as a whole.

Colin Hampden-White, the Chairman of the Advisory Board and spokesperson for the CWA, articulates the Association's overarching objective with conviction: "The Cask Whisky Association exists to safeguard private customers from unscrupulous practices and traders while protecting independent bottlers from exorbitant pricing." He emphasizes that CWA's Members and Advisors are poised to offer clear, transparent guidance, support, and assurance to anyone navigating the intricate world of cask whisky.

Russell Spratley, the founder of Spiritfilled, a respected player in the industry, also holds a prominent position on the CWA Executive Board. His enthusiasm for the initiative is palpable: "We are thrilled to be pioneers of this vital industry association, proud to be steering best practices in the whisky market."

Wendy Chamberlain MP, Chair of the Scotch Whisky APPG, has joined the chorus of support, voicing her concern about the need to enhance safeguards for cask whisky investors. In a letter addressed to the business minister overseeing the Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Bill, she emphasizes the potential risks posed by unscrupulous actors, stating, "The actions of bad actors in this field risk harming not only consumers but the reputation of Scotch whisky and the long-term viability of the industry as a whole."

Notably, Lord Richard Harrington, who leads the government review of foreign direct investment (FDI), commends the CWA for its cross-industry collaboration. He believes such efforts are pivotal, especially where regulatory gaps exist, stating, "Scotch is a true British success story, so measures must be put in place to protect the integrity of the sector."

The CWA's mission resonates with several other MPs, who understand the imperative to fortify investor protections. Nickie Aiken, MP for Cities of London and Westminster, affirms the importance of the CWA's mission, emphasizing that as the cask whisky sector continues to expand, safeguarding consumers and investors remains paramount.

In its quest to enhance industry standards, the CWA is engaging in discussions with key stakeholders, including the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), the Worshipful Company of Distillers, and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). Additionally, the CWA is actively petitioning The Bonded Warehousekeepers Association (The BWA) to garner support for its noble cause.

Hans Offringa, a respected whisky expert and author, lends his wisdom to the CWA's advisory board. He underscores the significance of certification and licensing in ensuring the quality of whisky transactions, stating, "The Cask Whisky Association provides a quality hallmark for people looking to buy and invest in whisky. There are a lot of cowboys out there, and we don't want them to discredit good companies and tarnish the industry."

Membership to the CWA is open to financially stable UK-based companies committed to upholding stringent quality standards and retaining all requisite licenses. The Association operates on a voluntary basis, welcoming all cask whisky entities into its fold. Applications for membership will be reviewed semi-annually by the executive board, with oversight from an independent advisory board.

In a world where cask whisky is not merely a beverage but a treasured investment, the Cask Whisky Association has taken up the mantle of safeguarding dreams and preserving the integrity of this cherished industry. For more information, we invite you to explore the Cask Whisky Association's website, where their noble mission continues to unfold.