…and don’t know where to start?

Well, you can always start by doing a little personal research.

A few of the best questions start with “Why….?”, “What…?” and these are followed up with “How…?”.

We can’t tell you the why, that’s personal, but your reasons may include:

• I own a company and I would like to give personalised gifts to my staff/clients.
• I’m part of a sports team and having our own whiskey or bourbon would be a great way to celebrate our successes (or drown our sorrows).
• I want to have something special that no-one else will have.
• It’s for a special celebration.
• I want to have a whiskey or bourbon that is branded specifically for my bar or restaurant.

Next is what whiskey or bourbon, or even tequila you would like to purchase. Well, generally this would depend on your preference. Our stocks, while limited, change regularly, so if you see something you like, make your decision quickly. Distilleries we have been able to offer casks from previously include: Tullibardine, Green River, Loch Lochmond. Other distilleries we work with include Revelton and Dueling Grounds. So as you can see, we have a good range for you to choose from.

We’re sure you can think of more as to ‘why’, and we certainly feel we have the ‘what’ you require and while there are many reasons to buy your own cask, there is only one place we think you should look to for your purchase.

Below, we outline the ‘how’.

Barrel Global, was founded by George Koutsakis; here’s what he says:

“… I have always noticed a gap in the market. A void for a state-of-the-art platform that simplifies the barrel buying process and allows everyone, () to own their own individual barrel of bourbon, rye whiskey, Scotch or Japanese whiskey.”

Barrel Global’s website will guide you through our process, however the first 2 options you have are to either click on “Request info & Pricing” or “Schedule a call”.

When you have made the decision that Barrel Global is the right cask company for you, you can begin the journey by requesting to “schedule a call” with our barrel experts.

Our barrel experts will gladly provide the most up-to-date stock information, as well as answering any other questions you have.

Once you have chosen your barrel(s), you will be asked for payment. Upon receipt of payment, you will be issued with ownership documents. The ownership certification provides legal documentation conveying full barrel rights to you, the purchaser. Congratulations, you now own something that nobody else has.

The next stage is… patience. Your barrel(s) will be in a secure warehouse either at the distillery itself or an approved third-party unit. To ensure legal compliance full barrels cannot be transported outside of these approved storage units until they are bottled.

While the liquid amber is sleeping in the warehouses, and the angels are taking their share*, you may, depending on the distillery and/or warehouse be able visit your sleeping cask. Most will allow for you to have samples pulled and shipped for a nominal fee. This means, over the time your barrel is in storage you will be able to try your cask contents.

How long your cask remains in storage is entirely down to you, but you may be able to speak with our team for further information on when would be a  good point to bottle the whiskey/bourbon. Remember, the liquid will only continue to mature and change flavor while in the barrel. Once bottled, there is no further maturation.

(The angel’s share is the amount of liquid lost from a cask due to the evaporation process. A general rule of thumb is 2% per year).

The end of your barrel’s journey with us can go in one of two ways. Option one, you can list your barrel for resale on the Barrel Global marketplace. You can trade barrels for something you may prefer that hadn’t been available previously or you can sell for cash.

Lastly, you can have your liquid bottled. Barrel Global is proud to be able to assist you in this. We will help with design, packaging and legal compliance for shipping. If you are looking to trade your whisky commercially, we can also help obtain a COLA (Certificate of Label Approval), and compliance with the three-tier system.

Our website includes links and contact forms for getting in touch with us.

You can also access other blog articles related to this one, which give information on Barrel Ownership:

Beginner’s Guide to Whiskey Barrel Ownership - Barrel Global

And why ageing is important is whiskey production:

The importance of barrel aging in whiskey production - Barrel Global
Barrel Global is on a mission to make whiskey barrel ownership accessible to collectors worldwide. As the first ever global marketplace for whiskey barrels, you can connect with distilleries and collectors around the world to build your own portfolio. For a whiskey experience unlike any other, request access today.

‍