Fine + Rare launches Arbikie Distillery ‘Founder’s Cask’ scheme

International fine wine and spirits broker, Fine + Rare, has launched a scheme whereby consumers can invest in a barrel of first-release whisky from the Arbikie Distillery in Scotland.

Investors can select either an ex-Bourbon or ex-Sherry cask, priced at £10,000

Each investor will be allocated their own barrel of ‘Founder’s Cask’ Highland Estate Single Malt Scotch Whisky, one of 300 filled from Arbikie’s inaugural run.

Two types of cask are on offer; ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry, priced at £10,000 per cask. The 200 litre ex-Bourbon barrels – yielding an estimated 230 bottles at 10 years – will create a “lighter, more delicate” whisky, while the 250 litre ex-Sherry casks, which yield an estimated 280 bottles at 10 years, will offer “richer and more opulent” flavours.

Both will be tended by master distiller Kirsty Black, who will also help the owner chose the ideal time to bottle their expression.

The distillery, which launched the “first farm to bottle” super-premium gin on the market in July, prides itself on using only estate-grown barley and water from a lagoon under the property.

Jamie Graham, sales director at FINE+RARE, said: “This is a truly unique proposition from Arbikie and we are delighted to be part of it. There are very few first run casks on the market so naturally these attract a premium. Because everything is grown and bottled on the estate, production will always be limited, placing this at the rarest end of the Whisky market.”

Costs for storage, bottling, labelling and insurance are included in the price, and each investor will be invited to visit the Arbikie Distillery for dinner and to view their cask at three years.

The distillery also offers a full refund after eight years, should the investor wish to cash out.

Earlier this month, East London Liquor Company launched Creator’s Cask 2015, giving fans the chance to own one of the first whisky casks to be produced in London for more than 100 years.