Ex-SWA director joins whisky investment group

Former Scotch Whisky Association director Campbell Evans has joined the board of online whisky “stock exchange” Whisky Invest Direct.

Launched in September 2015, Whisky Invest Direct is an online trading platform that allows investors to buy and sell casks of Scotch whisky as they mature.

In its first six months of operation, investors bought more than £2 million worth of maturing whisky, which is aged in the same bonded warehouses as major distillers.

Founded by Diageo’s former commercial director for Africa markets Rupert Patrick, and Paul Tustain, head of gold and silver online exchange Bullion Vault, Whisky Invest Direct claims to solve the “real problem” of diminishing cash flow in the industry.

Offering casks at wholesale prices, it allows “distillers, brand builders and stockholders” to trade whisky with each other in a “transparent” environment, financing the creation and maintenance of ageing stock.

The platform currently offers 10 single malts and two grain whiskies, all of them key constituents of major blended brands. Users can trade as little as one-litre of pure alcohol at a time, currently costing between £1.40 for young grain to £4.20 for three-year-old malt.

Campbell Evans, who stepped down as the SWA’s director of international affairs last year having joined the group in 1991, has now joined Whisky Invest Direct’s board.

“Campbell is a highly respected member of the Scotch whisky industry, and I am delighted that he has agreed to join our Board,” said Rupert Patrick.

“The breadth and depth of Campbell’s knowledge and contacts will be a major advantage to WhiskyInvestDirect as we build upon our successful launch.”

Evans added: “Whisky Invest Direct provides an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to diversify their investments. For the industry it provides a new and different platform to trade spirit.

“I am delighted to join at this early stage and help assist establish Whisky Invest Direct as a vehicle for investment and trade.”