Investor Spotlight: Engineer successfully explores unique investment opportunity

Adam Seward, a 40-year-old engineer from Milton Keynes with a passion for whisky,

recently found himself reassessing his investment options following the sale of a property. While traditional avenues such as stocks, ISAs, and savings accounts initially seemed like sensible choices, his curiosity was piqued by something a bit different: whisky cask investment.

Though whisky had long been Adam’s drink of choice on special occasions, his interest in cask investment was driven by more than just personal enjoyment. He was drawn to the idea of owning a tangible asset that could potentially grow in value over time. “The idea of owning a cask of whisky, something that ages and matures, felt both exciting and reassuring,” Adam says.

A unique asset class

Adam’s research led him to Whisky 1901, a company specialising in whisky cask investments. After learning about the potential for long-term growth, as well as the tax advantages and the appeal of a physical asset, Adam decided to invest in a cask of whisky from a renowned Highland Scottish distillery for £3200. While his initial investment was modest, he recognised the potential of entering a market where certain casks were becoming increasingly rare and sought after.

This wasn’t Adam’s first experience with alternative investments; he had previously enjoyed collecting vintage cars, assets that combined personal interest with long-term value. However, whisky investment was a different type of opportunity, something not for immediate use but still offering the potential for future appreciation.

A rewarding experience

After a period of watching his investment mature, Adam decided to sell his cask, ultimately realising a positive outcome of achieving a sale price of £5200. The team at Whisky 1901 offered valuable advice on exiting the market and assisted in finding a buyer, making the process straightforward and stress-free.

What stood out to Adam about Whisky 1901 was their genuine passion for both the product and the investors. “They’re not just selling whisky, they’re sharing something they truly care about,” Adam explains. “Talking with the team felt more like conversing with friends than with a company, and they were always there to guide me through the process without any pressure.”

In addition to the investment, Adam also participated in several whisky tasting events organised by Whisky 1901, where he connected with other investors, experts, and enthusiasts. These events provided him with deeper insights into the whisky market and helped him build a sense of community among like-minded individuals.

Having gained confidence from his initial experience, Adam is now considering further whisky cask investments. While he acknowledges the inherent risks of any investment, he finds the potential rewards and the enjoyment of the process to be an appealing alternative to more traditional investment routes.

“Even though I understand that returns can vary, the sense of security and the enjoyment of being part of something special makes it a compelling option for me,” he reflects.

 

by Aaron Damiano Sparkes
Founder and CEO of Whisky 1901
30.05.2025

Download our investment guide

Download

 

**Disclaimer**: Important Information Regarding Whisky as an Investment Please read the following carefully before making any purchase. This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Whisky 1901 Limited is not a regulated financial institution, and any references to “investment,” “broker,” or “advice” are intended solely for descriptive purposes of our services and should not be interpreted as financial advice.

1. Not Financial Advice or Regulated Services: Whisky 1901 Limited is not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and does not offer financial or investment advice. Whisky 1901 Limited is an investment platform that provides guidance to its customers. Guidance is in impartial service which will help our customer identify its options and narrow down its choices but will not tell what to do or which products to buy, the decision is yours. Any reference to “investment,” “brokers,” or “portfolio management” is for general informational use and should not be interpreted as FCA-regulated financial services. 

2. Whisky as a Tangible Asset: Whisky is sold as a physical, tangible asset, not a financial product or investment. It does not fall under FCA regulation, and purchasing whisky carries risks that differ from regulated investments like stocks or bonds. Any purchase decision should be made independently and based on personal research and judgment. 

3. No Guarantee of Financial Returns: The value of whisky may fluctuate based on market demand, age, rarity, and other factors. The volume of spirit will decrease over time (known as “the Angels’ share”). “New Make” spirit has to be matured for 3 years, during which time its alcoholic strength could be reduced. However, for the product to be classed as “whisky”, it must retain a minimum strength of 40%. Fees apply, see terms and conditions for details and terms around exiting your investment Past performance is not an indication of future results, and Whisky 1901 Limited makes no guarantees regarding future returns, profit, or resale value. 

4. Market and Liquidity Risks: Reselling whisky can be complex and market-dependent. There is no assurance of quick resale or profit, and potential buyers should consider liquidity risks. References to “investment goals” or “client returns” are illustrative and do not imply guaranteed financial returns. 

5. No Advisory Role: Our representatives, sometimes referred to as “advisers,” “brokers,” or “portfolio managers,” are sales consultants specialising in whisky as a collectible asset and do not provide regulated financial or investment advice. Clients are encouraged to seek independent advice from qualified financial advisors for investment decisions. 

6. The Whisky 1901 Ltd sale price includes a discretionary markup to cover the cost of services provided, including but not limited to, storage, movement and maintenance of casks, insurance, front and back office software. By purchasing whisky through Whisky 1901 Limited, you acknowledge that you understand and accept these terms and are fully aware of the risks associated with purchasing whisky as a collectible asset. You have 14 days to change your mind and request a full refund under our cooling-off period.

Download our
investment
guide