The Whisky Investment Podcast by VCL Vintners

Join whisky journalist Alwyn Gwilt as she sits down with legendary whisky expert Charles Maclean MBE. If you're curious about the global whisky boom and the future of Scotch, this episode is a must-listen. We explore everything from the rise of single malts to the exciting trends and challenges facing the industry today.

Welcome to Episode 1 of The Whisky Investment Podcast by VCL Vintners! Join whisky journalist Alwyn Gwilt, as she chats with Russell Bradley, the man behind the meticulous operations at VCL Vintners. If you're curious about the journey whisky takes from cask to bottle, you're in the right place.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating details of whisky cask management. Russell gives us an insider's look at his daily routine, which involves overseeing over 10,000 casks from distilleries all over Scotland. He explains the process of regauging, a crucial step to ensure the whisky's quality, and demystifies terms like RLA (regauged litres of alcohol) and OLA (original litres of alcohol).

We also explore the poetic concept of the "angel's share"—the whisky that evaporates as it matures—and how this natural process shapes the flavour of the final product. Russell shares the unique opportunities for investors to sample and bottle their whisky, offering a personal touch to the investment experience.

Russell doesn't just stop at the basics. He introduces us to the variety of cask types used in maturation, from the common bourbon barrels to the more exotic Calvados brandy and red wine casks. And for those wondering about future trends, he hints at some exciting experiments on the horizon that promise to produce some truly exceptional whiskies.

This episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about whisky, whether you're an enthusiast savouring every drop or an investor looking to understand the intricacies of cask management. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the art and science that goes into every bottle.

🎵 Watch the video version of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La5PkdhzfLM

In this episode, Alwynne is joined by Benjamin Lancaster, VCL co-founder and Tommy Major, Head Cask Broker. Looking back at the stories that hit the headlines in 2022 and had an impact on whisky investment.

In this episode, Alwynne is joined by Max Vaughan, co-founder of the White Peak Distillery. This craft distillery based in the Peak District is making waves in the industry and shows that exceptional whisky isn't only made in Scotland.

In this episode, Alwynne is joined by VCL's Ben Lancaster to discuss the impacts of whisky trade tariffs and bi-lateral trade agreements from around the world.

In this episode, we're heading to the United States to understand more about the impact that tariffs from the UK and EU had on whiskey exports there and what changes we'll see on these shores now that tariffs have been removed in June. Rob Maron from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) joins Alwynne.

One of the main draws for investors looking to diversify their portfolios with Whisky Casks is the tax-free status of profits. Alwynne is joined by Simone Lyons, a tax specialist from top 50 accountancy firm Gerald Edelman, and VCL co-owner Ben Lancaster.

John Laurie, the MD of Scotland's oldest distillery, The Glenturret, joins Alwynne to discuss the challenges faced in the light of Brexit, COVID and US Tariffs. Find out why the outlook for the future is still incredibly positive for smaller distilleries like Glenturret.

VCL's Head of Stock and Logistics, Martin Meldrum, joins Alwynne to discuss his role in the management of our cask holdings and the launch of VCL's Independent Bottling range. 

VCL co-owner Ben Lancaster joins Alwynne to discuss how whisky cask sales can be modernised with the help of NFTs & find out about VCL's world record-breaking whisky cask auction from 2021