Q&A with Spirited: Meet Asia’s Boutique Whisky Cask Investment Businesses

Throwback to a recent and very special event organised by our new partner, Spirited.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about Spirited and what makes your business unique?

A: At Spirited, we believe that investing in Scotch whisky casks should be as enriching as it is rewarding. Based in Hong Kong, our brokerage is dedicated not just to facilitating cask purchases but to educating our clients every step of the way. We place a strong emphasis on due diligence – carefully vetting casks, vendors and the partners we work with to ensure quality and transparency. For us, it’s about more than just numbers; it’s about sharing the heritage, craftsmanship, and sensory experience that make Scotch whisky truly special. Whether you’re new to whisky or a seasoned enthusiast, we guide you through the process with tailored advice, regular updates, and opportunities to taste and learn, so you can invest with confidence and enjoy the journey.

Q: Why should someone consider investing in whisky casks?

A: Whisky cask investment is a unique alternative asset class that has shown resilience and growth, even in uncertain markets. Unlike bottled whisky, casks continue to mature and develop in value over time. Investors benefit from the tangible nature of the asset, the romance of owning a piece of Scotland, and the potential for attractive returns. Plus, it’s a journey that can be as enjoyable as it is rewarding.

Q: How does Spirited support new investors?

A: We pride ourselves on making cask investment accessible and enjoyable. Our team provides personalized consultations, educational resources, and regular updates on your cask’s progress. We handle all logistics, sourcing, storage, and insurance as well as eventual bottling and resale. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a whisky lover looking to diversify, we’re here to guide you.

Q: What special offer do you have for CFI members?

A: As a warm welcome to the CFI community, we’re delighted to offer a complimentary bottle of single malt Scotch whisky to any Hong Kong-based member who purchases a cask through Spirited. It’s our way of saying thank you and sharing a taste of what makes cask ownership so special.
Terms & Conditions: Offer valid for first-time new cask purchases made via CFI. Complimentary bottle available to Hong Kong-based members only. One bottle per cask purchase. Please contact us for full details.

Q: Can you share a recent event that highlights the Spirited experience?

A: Recently, we hosted an exclusive CFI whisky tasting night at our partner whisky lounge, featuring five single malt Scotch whiskies hand-drawn straight from the barrels. Guests enjoyed hand-picked Single Malt Scotch paired with an artisanal selection of charcuterie and an engaging session on the ins and outs of cask investment. The evening was a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and savour the unique flavours that only cask whisky can offer.

Q: Could you tell us a bit more about the whiskies that were included in the flight?

A: We had hand-selected five different whiskies directly from single whisky casks, meaning that they were undiluted (and perhaps a bit strong) but also not mixed with any other type of whisky. We had chosen the following flight:

Ardmore (17 Years Old) – Ardmore is a Highland distillery known for its subtly peated single malts, offering a gentle smokiness balanced with honeyed malt and spice. This 17-year-old expression showcases the distillery’s signature earthy character with a refined maturity.

Fun fact: Ardmore is one of the few Highland distilleries to consistently use peat in its whisky, a tradition more commonly associated with Islay.

Glentauchers (16 Years Old) – Located in Speyside, Glentauchers produces a delicate and fruity spirit, often featuring notes of orchard fruit, vanilla, and gentle floral undertones. The 16-year-old bottling highlights the distillery’s smooth, approachable style.
Fun fact: Glentauchers is rarely seen as a single malt, as most of its production goes into blends like Ballantine’s.

Linkwood (16 Years Old) – Also from Speyside, Linkwood is celebrated for its elegant, floral, and slightly grassy whiskies, with a silky texture and hints of apple and fresh herbs. The 16-year-old is a classic example of Speyside finesse.

Fun fact: Linkwood’s stills are exact replicas of the originals, as the distillery believes even the smallest change could alter the whisky’s character.

Bunnahabhain Staoisha (11 Years Old) – Bunnahabhain, on Islay, is typically known for unpeated malts, but the Staoisha releases are heavily peated, offering bold maritime smoke, brine, and a touch of sweetness. The 11-year-old Staoisha is a smoky treat for Islay fans.

Fun fact: Bunnahabhain’s name means “mouth of the river” in Gaelic, referencing its scenic location at the mouth of the Margadale River.

Borders (4 Years Old) Borders is a Lowland distillery, reviving whisky-making in the Scottish Borders after a 180-year hiatus. Their youthful 4-year-old whisky is vibrant and fresh, with notes of cereal, citrus, and gentle spice.

Fun fact: The Borders Distillery is the first legal whisky distillery in the region since 1837, marking a new chapter for Lowland whisky. This particular expression was from a limited expression produced by ex-Macallan Master Distiller and used the same processes and cask-types as 90s style Macallan. Blind taste testing by famous whisky personalities had many guessing this to be at least 10-12 years old. Spirited are one of the select few to have access to these limited releases.

Q: How can CFI members get in touch to learn more?

A: We’d love to connect! Reach out directly to arrange a consultation through hello@spiritedltd.com or whatsapp us on +852 6159 8902. Whether you’re curious about the process or ready to start your cask journey, our team is here to help.