Ramskull Founders Reserve

Secure Your Place in
English Whisky History

Be one of only 250 founding members to own a piece of Yorkshire’s finest craft distilling heritage.

Only a limited few are left

Yorkshire Dales Distillery invites you to join an exclusive circle of 250 pioneering investors in English craft whisky.

Each Ramskull Founders Reserve cask represents more than just an investment – it’s your opportunity to be part of a unique chapter in British distilling history.

Why Invest in Whisky Casks?

A Time-Tested Investment With
Exceptional Growth

The whisky cask market has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, offering a tangible alternative investment that combines passion with potential:

  • Historic Performance: Knight Frank’s Luxury Investment Index shows whisky has outperformed watches, art, and classic cars, with rare whisky values rising by 428% over the past decade (Forbes)
  • Market Growth: The global whisky market is forecast to expand from $79.6 billion in 2023 to $96.1 billion by 2028, reflecting a steady CAGR of 3.8% (The Spirits Business)
  • Natural Appreciation: Unlike many investments, whisky naturally improves with age, developing complexity and value through maturation
  • Investment Returns: Rare whisky has shown average annual returns of 9% over the past five years (Forbes)
  • Portfolio Diversification: Whisky casks offer an alternative investment uncorrelated with traditional markets
  • Tax Efficiency: As a wasting asset, whisky casks are exempt from Capital Gains and Inheritance Tax in the UK.*
Cooper Whiskey

Why English Whisky Now?

The Next Chapter in
Whisky Excellence

English whisky is experiencing a remarkable renaissance, presenting a unique investment opportunity at the perfect moment.

Market Performance Indicators

  • English whisky exports have grown significantly in recent years, with 40% of English whisky sales in 2023 going to international markets (ISSUU)
  • Premium spirits consistently command 40-60% price premiums over standard offerings
  • The English Whisky Guild (EWG) now represents 24 distilleries, while the total number of English whisky distilleries has grown to over 45, up from just a handful in 2016. (EWG)
  • The volume of spirit produced by English distilleries is forecast to grow by 189% from 2019 to 2024, reflecting the rapid expansion of the UK craft spirits market (EWG)
  • Investment in English whisky infrastructure has been substantial, with multiple distilleries expanding operations
  • English whisky distilleries are winning major international awards (The Times)

Your Investment Benefits

Transform Your Investment Through Time:

  • Initial Investment: £5,000 for a Cask (other Investment Packages are available)
  • Multiple Exit Strategies:  Sell at any time, Distillery buyback after 5 years, bottle your Whisky
  • Expected Returns: Cask value of £7, 500 to £9, 000 after 5 years
  • Guaranteed Value Growth: Secure £6,000 buyback offer after 5 years
  • Exceptional Yield: Approximately 372 bottles after maturation
  • Tax Advantages: Inheritance and Capital Gains Tax Free (as a Wasting Asset)*
  • Full Control: Choose to bottle, continue maturing, or sell on the open market

real Investment Comparisons

Investing £5,000 in a whisky cask could be a rewarding move – and not just in flavour. With typical annual appreciation rates between 8% and 12%, whisky casks have consistently outpaced even the best high-street savings accounts.

Example Returns: Whisky vs. Bank

YearsWhisky (8%)Whisky (12%)Bank (2%)Bank (5%)
10£10,794£15,529£6,095£8,144
20£23,304£48,231£7,429£13,266
25£34,242£85,000£8,203£16,931

What Makes Whisky Cask Investment So Unique?

  • Tangible, Maturing Asset
    Your whisky physically matures in the cask, improving in both quality and value with age. Unlike stocks, crypto or cash – it’s a hands-on asset you can actually visit and taste if you choose.
  • Tax Benefits
    In the UK, whisky casks are considered a wasting asset for tax purposes. This means Capital Gains Tax usually doesn’t apply. That’s a rare advantage in the investment world.
  • Craftsmanship + Legacy
    You’re not just investing in alcohol – you’re buying into heritage, tradition, and skilled craftsmanship. Many investors gift casks to family members or even bottle the whisky under their own label.

The Ramskull Founders Reserve

Crafting Excellence
in Every Detail

The Ramskull Founders Reserve represents our commitment to creating exceptional English whisky. Each element has been carefully selected to create a spirit that embodies Yorkshire’s rich heritage and natural bounty.

Our Unique Recipe

  • Grain Selection: A careful blend of heritage Golden Promise barley and premium caramel malt from Simpsons, England’s finest maltster
  • Water Source: Crystal-clear water drawn from our ancient limestone aquifer, providing the perfect mineral balance
  • Fermentation: Extended fermentation periods to develop complex flavour compounds
  • Distillation: Double distillation in our custom-designed copper pot stills
  • Maturation: Aged in hand-selected oak casks, reconditioned and specially charred with Yorkshire heather by master cooper Euan Findlay

Tasting Profile

  • Appearance: Natural golden hue with brilliant clarity
  • Nose: Opening with subtle smoke and sweet heather honey, followed by rich vanilla and toasted oak
  • Palate: Luxuriously smooth with layers of dark chocolate, caramel malt, and warming baking spices
  • Finish: Long and complex, with hints of heather, gentle smoke, and sweet oak spice

About Yorkshire
Dales Distillery

Founded in 2016 by Sarah and Tony Brotherton, Yorkshire Dales Distillery stands as a beacon of British craftsmanship and military precision in the spirits industry. As a proud veteran-owned business, we bring the same dedication, discipline, and attention to detail to distilling that served us well in the armed forces.

Award-Winning Excellence

Our commitment to quality has earned us recognition from the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions.

More Than Just a Distillery

Yorkshire Dales Distillery represents a fusion of tradition and purpose:

  • Military Precision: Our veteran background ensures meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of production
  • British Heritage: Celebrating Yorkshire’s rich distilling tradition while pioneering new techniques
  • Community Impact: Creating meaningful employment opportunities for veterans, young people, and the long-term unemployed
  • Sustainable Innovation: Committed to renewable energy and minimal waste practices
  • Local Sourcing: Supporting Yorkshire’s finest suppliers and maintaining strong community ties

Recognition for Excellence

Our 2023 Covenant Certificate acknowledges our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, while our numerous awards validate our position as one of Britain’s most innovative craft distilleries.

Our Values

Rooted in military principles, we operate with:

  • Unwavering integrity in all business practices
  • Dedication to exceptional quality
  • Commitment to sustainable production
  • Support for the veteran community
  • Investment in local talent and resources

Your Exclusive Benefits

As a Founding Member,
you’ll receive

  • Personal nameplate on your numbered cask
  • Premium warehousing and insurance for 5 years
  • Annual sampling rights with expert guidance
  • Exclusive distillery experiences and whisky-making sessions
  • Regular updates on your cask’s maturation
  • Priority access to future releases
  • Bespoke bottling options with personalised labelling
  • Member-only events and tastings

Investment Security

Your investment is protected

  • Full insurance coverage
  • Secure storage in our purpose-built facility
  • Regular independent valuations
  • Transparent documentation and ownership certificates
  • Guaranteed buyback option

Frequently Asked Questions

Investment Considerations

  • I don’t drink whisky – is this investment still for me?

    Absolutely! Many successful cask investors don’t drink whisky. This is primarily a financial investment with a guaranteed buyback option. You never need to drink or taste the whisky to benefit from its appreciation in value.

  • What makes this a worthwhile investment?

    Following an initial Cask Purchase of £5,000, based on current market performance (typically 8 – 12% appreciation per annum) your Cask will be worth £7,500 to £9,000 after 5 years with no Capital Gains Tax to pay.*

    The Distillery offers a guaranteed £6,000 buyback offer after 5 years and you’re investing in a limited first release from an award-winning distillery. With only 250 casks available, the scarcity factor alone makes this a unique opportunity.

  • How does this compare to other investments?

    Whisky cask investment offers several unique advantages: it’s a tangible asset that naturally appreciates with age, is exempt from Capital Gains and Inheritance Tax* as a wasting asset, and provides multiple exit strategies.

  • What are the risks involved?

    While all investments carry risk, we minimise this through our guaranteed buyback offer, full insurance coverage, and secure storage. Your cask is a physical asset, professionally managed and maintained.

Ownership & Access

  • Can I visit my cask?

    Yes, cask owners can visit the distillery by appointment. You’ll also have opportunities to participate in exclusive distillery experiences and whisky-making sessions.

  • Do I need any special knowledge about whisky?

    No, our expert team handles all aspects of production and maturation. We provide regular updates and can guide you through any decisions about your investment.

  • Can I sell my cask before the 5-year period?

    Yes, you can sell your cask at any time, subject to the new owner passing our due diligence checks.

  • What happens if I want to bottle my whisky?

    We can handle the entire bottling process for you, including custom labelling if desired. You’ll receive approximately 372 bottles which you can keep, gift, or sell.

Investment Returns

  • What’s the minimum return I can expect?

    Through our buyback guarantee, you’re assured a minimum return of £6,000 after 5 years on your £5,000 investment. Based on current market performance (typically 8 – 12% appreciation per annum) your Cask will be worth £7, 500 to £9, 000 after 5 years.

  • What costs do I need to consider?

    Your initial investment includes 5 years of storage and insurance. Additional costs only apply if you choose to bottle (duty, VAT, bottling costs) or continue storage beyond 5 years.

  • Can I use this for my business?

    Yes, many businesses invest in casks for future corporate gifting, client entertainment, or branded product opportunities. We offer co-branding options for bottled whisky.

Production Quality

  • How do you ensure quality?

    We adhere to strict English Whisky Guild standards and work with industry-leading partners, from our maltster to our cooper. Our master distiller oversees every aspect of production and maturation.

  • What makes Ramskull Founders Reserve unique?

    Our whisky combines heritage ingredients, pure Yorkshire water, and traditional craftsmanship with modern production methods. The use of heather in our cask charring process creates a distinctive flavour profile unique to our distillery.

  • What if I need more information?

    Our investment specialists are available to answer any questions. Register your interest, and we’ll provide you with our detailed prospectus and arrange a personal consultation.

  • What exactly am I investing in?

    You’re purchasing one of only 250 casks of Ramskull Founders Reserve English Single Malt Whisky, which will be filled at 65% ABV and matured for a minimum of 5 years. Each cask yields approximately 372 bottles.

  • What are my options after the 5-year maturation period?

    You have several options:

    • Sell your cask on the open market for an estimated £7, 500 to £9, 000.
    • Accept our guaranteed buyback offer of £6,000.
    • Bottle your whisky (either for personal use or resale)
    • Continue maturing your whisky (storage fees apply)
  • What are the ongoing costs?

    Your initial investment includes 5 years of storage and insurance. After this period, if you choose to continue maturing your whisky, annual storage fees will apply. Bottling costs, duty, and VAT are additional and only payable if you decide to bottle.

  • How is my investment protected?

    Your cask is fully insured, stored in our secure facility, and backed by detailed documentation of ownership. We provide regular updates and sampling opportunities to monitor your whisky’s development.

Beyond Whisky Appreciation:
A Smart Investment Choice

Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast or a savvy investor, Ramskull Founders Reserve casks offer compelling opportunities

For Investors

  • Tax-efficient investment as a wasting asset
  • Physical asset backed by a tangible product
  • Limited release of only 250 casks ensuring scarcity
  • Full documentation and insurance
  • Multiple exit strategies to maximise returns
  • Guaranteed minimum return through our £6,000 buyback offer

For Collectors

  • First release from an award-winning distillery
  • Numbered casks with ownership certification
  • Part of English whisky history
  • Exclusive founding member status
  • Priority access to future releases

For Business Owners

  • Corporate gifting opportunities
  • Potential for custom-branded bottles
  • Unique client entertainment experiences
  • Marketing and PR opportunities
  • Exclusive access to distillery facilities

For Gift Givers

  • Create a unique legacy
  • Memorable milestone celebration
  • Experience-based gift that appreciates in value
  • Exclusive membership benefits
  • Annual sampling opportunities

Begin Your Whisky Investment Journey

Register now to secure priority access to this limited opportunity. Our whisky investment specialists are ready to guide you through every step of your journey.

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Important Notice: Cask investments, including whisky casks, can rise or fall in value, and past performance is not a reliable guide to future results. These investments are unregulated in the UK. Yorkshire Dales Distillery does not offer investment advice, so you must make your own decisions or seek independent professional advice if unsure.

* Yorkshire Dales Distillery recommends that prospective Cask Purchasers seek independent financial advice