RAMSKULL FOUNDERS RESERVE
Secure Your Place in English Whisky History
Be one of only 250 founding members to own a cask of Yorkshire’s finest craft whisky.
We invite you to become one of only 250 founding members investing in independent English craft whisky.
You have a unique opportunity to invest in the future of English Whisky and the Community that is our Distillery.
Ramskull Founders Reserve is the limited release of the Distillery’s first English Single Malt Whisky with only 250 Casks available.
Ramskull is crafted to English Whisky Guild standards from a selection of malts, including chocolate malt and the heritage variety Golden Promise, supplied by Simpsons; the exceptional, B Corp Certified, and historic English Maltster.
- The Wash is fermented to our exacting standards and then distilled twice. Our Stills are designed to deliver an exceptionally smooth Spirit. All of the mashing, fermentation, distilling and maturation is conducted in house by our Team.
- Filled at a cask strength of 65% ABV, our American Standard Barrels are reconditioned by Euan at Findlay’s Cooperage in Masham, North Yorkshire, with a heavy char incorporating heather flowers in the burn
- Expect moderately smokey, naturally golden, smooth English Whisky, lightly oaked with vanilla, chocolate, spice and herbal hints from the heather used to char the Casks.
- The Distillery was founded in 2016, by owners and distillers Sarah and Tony to provide meaningful and sustainable employment and training to Service Veterans and Dependants, young people, ex-offenders and the long term unemployed.
- Still fiercely independent, remaining and growing in the heart of its North Yorkshire community, the Distillery now produces an array of spirits and spirit drinks; Ramskull Founders Reserve is our very first whisky.
- After 18 years as a full time Officer in the British Army, Tony continues to serve in the Army Reserve
- Inspired by nature, our pioneering all-electric Ectothermic Distilling system drives all energy outputs at the Distillery. It utilises all of the potential for on-site solar generation and absolutely minimises energy consumption and heat loss. This system, coupled with our supply chain choices, exceptionally low water use and minimal waste, make Ramskull a genuinely more sustainable investment proposition.
Whisky Casks
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.*
- 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.
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)
- 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.
Whisky Casks
Your Investment Benefits
Transform Your Investment Through Time:
- Initial Investment: £5,000 for a Cask (other Investment Packages are available)
- Warehousing and Insurance: 5 years at the Distillery included
- Annual Samples: A sample from your cask sent out to you
- Cask Owner Pack: For you to curate your samples, includes a pair of tumblers
- Visit the Distillery: Make whisky with the Team and see your Cask
- Regular Newsletter: Stay up to date with the Distillery and the world of English Whisky
- 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
Whisky Casks
Founders Packages
Cask Ownership
Each cask is as unique as its owner.
- 200ltr Cask filled with New Make Spirit.
- Cask Ownership Certificate.
- Ramskull wooden handcrafted presentation box.
- A pair of branded whisky glasses.
- Selected Ramskull giftware.
- 100ml sample annually.
- 5 year storage and insurance.
- The opportunity to visit the Distillery and participate in whisky making.
- Exclusive access to your own webpage to track updates on your cask.
- Subscription to an exclusive Newsletter with specific offers and updates.
£5000
Founders Package One
- 5 x Cases (30 x 70cl bottles) Ramskull Founders Reserve English Single Malt Whisky after a maturation period of 5 years and worth £2250.
- Annual Samples of maturing spirit from the Founders Reserve.
- The opportunity to visit the Distillery and participate in whisky making.
- A Founders Package Certificate.
- A regular Newsletter and exclusive Discounts.
£1245
Founders Package Two
- 2 x Cases (12 x 70cl bottles) Ramskull Founders Reserve English Single Malt Whisky after a maturation period of 5 years and worth £900.
- Annual Samples of maturing spirit from the Founders Reserve.
- The opportunity to visit the Distillery and participate in whisky making.
- A Founders Package Certificate.
- A regular Newsletter and exclusive Discounts.
£625
Whisky Casks
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
- Malt Selection: A careful blend of distilling malt, heritage Golden Promise and chocolate malt from Simpsons, the home of good malt
- Water Source: Crystal-clear water drawn from our ancient limestone aquifer, providing the perfect mineral balance
- Mashing and Fermentation: Small batches of whisky wash are carefully prepared by our experienced Team
- Distillation: Double distillation in our custom-designed and engineered stills
- Maturation: Aged in hand-selected oak casks, reconditioned and specially charred with Yorkshire heather by our 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
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
Whisky Casks
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
Whisky Casks
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.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 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.
Whisky Casks
BEGIN YOUR RAMSKULL JOURNEY
Once you submit your details, Jim from our team will personally get in touch to discuss Ramskull Founders Reserve, answer your questions, and guide you through your cask options.
Your information will be kept secure and used solely to provide details about the Ramskull Founders Reserve opportunity.
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
