Whisky Investment Podcast S3 E2: London’s Bourbon-style Whisky with Katherine Saunders - Doghouse Distillery

In this episode of the VCL Vintners Whisky Investment Podcast, whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt visits Doghouse Distillery in Battersea, London, home to the city’s first bourbon style corn whisky.She’s joined by co‑founder Katherine Saunders who shares the distillery’s grain to bottle ethos, their journey from gin to moonshine, and the launch of their bold three year old American style corn whisky. Discover how Doghouse blends creativity, sustainability and a rebellious spirit to make one of London’s most distinctive whiskies.Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast, cocktail lover or curious about innovative distilling in the UK, this episode offers a rare inside look at a truly unique urban distillery.What you’ll learn in this episode:• How Doghouse became London’s first bourbon style whisky distillery• Why grain to bottle matters in craft distilling• The journey from moonshine to mature whisky• How art led branding sets Doghouse apart• The role of British farming in their whisky production

With former trade adviser Alex BoydWe’re back with Season 3 of the Whisky Investment Podcast, and this year we’re kicking things off with a truly global perspective.In this first episode, whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt is joined by Alex Boyd, a former UK government trade adviser turned international trade consultant. Together, they unpack the implications of the long-awaited India UK Free Trade Agreement. The focus is on how it impacts Scotch whisky exports and what that means for investors in the space.From Brussels to Whitehall: Meet Alex BoydAlex Boyd has spent over 15 years shaping trade policy, working in both the European Union and the UK government. He has advised trade secretaries, foreign secretaries and senior ministers through Brexit and beyond, and now works with Strand Partners to help clients navigate global trade and investment policy.His expertise places him in a unique position to interpret the true significance of the India UK trade deal, particularly for the premium drinks sector.A 20-Year Journey to AgreementThe India UK deal is the product of nearly two decades of negotiation. Initially pursued through the EU in 2006, talks stalled and were abandoned in 2013. Post-Brexit, the UK restarted talks independently, identifying India as a high-priority partner due to its massive consumer base, rapid economic growth and high trade barriers.India has long been considered a closed and protectionist market, especially in categories like spirits where local production dominates and regulation varies from state to state. Despite this, Scotch whisky has maintained strong brand appeal in India, owing to cultural legacy and aspirational branding.Scotch, Tariffs and a Historic BreakthroughBefore this agreement, imported Scotch faced a 150 percent tariff in India. The new deal cuts that to 75 percent immediately, with a pathway to reduce it further to 40 percent over the next ten years.Boyd explains that while zero tariffs were the industry’s ambition, 40 percent is still a landmark achievement. Given the complexity of negotiating with India and the political sensitivity around alcohol imports, the result is seen as a major success.The Scotch Whisky Association called the deal “landmark” and expects exports to India to grow from £300 million today to between £500 million and £1 billion within five years.From Colonial Legacy to Bollywood AspirationsIndia has a long-standing relationship with whisky, beginning with British colonial rule and later reinforced through Bollywood’s portrayal of whisky-drinking characters. Over time, whisky evolved into an aspirational and celebratory drink, distinct from beer and other spirits.Today, India is the world’s largest consumer of whisky by volume, yet it still ranks only fifth or sixth by value. That gap represents a major growth opportunity, particularly for premium and ultra-premium Scotch producers.What It Means for the Industry and InvestorsThe impact of the deal will not be immediate, but Boyd believes the ripple effects will be far-reaching:Producers are expected to ramp up long-term supply to meet projected demandFarmers and maltsters may see benefits first through increased ordersExports to India could eventually rival those to the United StatesInvestment opportunities in aged casks and premium bottlings are likely to growFor whisky investors, particularly those looking at cask holdings or luxury-grade bottlings, this deal could unlock new markets and future valuation uplift.

Welcome to Episode 10 of The Whisky Investment Podcast by VCL Vintners! In this special on-location episode, whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt travels to the Copper Rivet Distillery in Kent to sit down with Head Distiller Abhi Banik. Together, they uncover the unique story behind one of England’s most innovative craft distilleries.Alwynne and Abhi explore how Copper Rivet stands apart through its rare grain-to-glass approach, local ingredient sourcing, and pioneering distillation techniques. From custom-built stills to a patented hybrid still system, Abhi explains how meticulous process control and a commitment to provenance underpin every drop of their spirit.Listeners will gain insights into how the distillery’s unusual setup allows it to create multiple new make styles, offering a painter’s palette of flavours that evolve through fermentation, distillation, and maturation. Abhi also shares the inspiration behind their delicate single malt – a whisky shaped by science, heritage, and a passion for flavour-first distilling.This episode offers a rare glimpse into the thoughtful design of a modern distillery rooted in tradition, and how Copper Rivet is redefining English whisky with clarity, craftsmanship, and character. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of craft whisky from one of the category’s most exciting players.

Welcome to Episode 9 of The Whisky Investment Podcast by VCL Vintners! Join whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt as she sits down with Vinay Chavda, Head of IT at VCL Vintners, to delve into the innovative world of whisky investment technology. In this episode, Alwynne and Vinay explore how VCL is transforming traditional whisky investment through cutting-edge digital platforms, creating a seamless and transparent client experience.Vinay shares insights into the VCL investor portal, detailing how it empowers investors with real-time access to their portfolios, simplifying complex investment journeys. He discusses the groundbreaking integration of blockchain technology to digitise whisky inventory, ensuring traceability, security, and enhanced historical detail for every cask.Listeners will also discover how VCL is pioneering advancements with digital deeds and the introduction of Proof 8, a revolutionary end-to-end cask management system designed to modernise whisky investment processes from production to investor management. Additionally, Vinay explains how artificial intelligence is being leveraged within VCL's CRM systems, optimising client relations and maximising investment opportunities.This episode highlights VCL's commitment to blending tradition with technological innovation, making whisky investment accessible to a broader demographic, including younger investors seeking alternative investment options. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the exciting future of whisky investment technology and learn how VCL Vintners is setting new industry standards.

Join whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt as she sits down with Francisco Rosa—better known as Chico—the whisky maker at England’s Fielden Distillery. In this episode of the VCL Vintners Whisky Investment Podcast, we dive into Fielden’s groundbreaking approach to whisky making, blending traditional techniques with sustainable, regenerative farming. Chico shares insights into his journey from winemaking in Portugal to whisky production in England, the importance of grain diversity, and how Fielden is redefining rye whisky. Discover how soil health, heritage grains, and unconventional approaches to maturation are shaping the future of whisky. Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast, an investor, or simply curious about the next evolution of craft distilling, this episode is packed with fascinating insights you won’t want to miss.

Join whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt as she sits down with VCL Vintners co-founder Benjamin Lancaster and Head Cask Trader Tommy Major to reflect on the whisky investment landscape of 2024 and what’s ahead for 2025. In this episode of the VCL Vintners Whisky Investment Podcast, we explore how global events, shifting investor sentiment, and changing whisky availability shaped the past year—and the opportunities that lie ahead. Discover why Scotch whisky remains a resilient asset, how tequila is emerging as a new investment opportunity, and what trends will define whisky investment in 2025. Whether you're an experienced investor or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Join whisky industry legend John Campbell as he reflects on nearly three decades of experience in Scotch whisky, including a remarkable 27 years at Laphroaig Distillery. In this episode of the VCL Vintners Whisky Investment Podcast, we explore the evolution of whisky from a middle-aged man’s drink to a global phenomenon embraced by diverse audiences. Discover how the balance of tradition and innovation, the growing influence of consumers, and long-term planning shape the whisky industry’s present and future. Whether you’re an investor, a collector, or simply passionate about whisky, this episode offers a wealth of insights you won’t want to miss.

Join whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt in this episode of the VCL Vintners Whisky Investment Podcast, where she sits down with YouTube personality and luxury collector Tom Exton, better known as TGE. Together, they explore Tom's journey into whisky investment, his love for shiny, expensive things, and the lessons he’s learned from cars, watches, and property. Whether you’re curious about alternative investments, whisky’s appeal as a tax-efficient asset, or just enjoy hearing behind-the-scenes stories from a passionate collector, this conversation is brimming with insight and personality.

Join whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt as she delves into the intricacies of cask management with VCL Vintners co-founder Benjamin Lancaster. This episode uncovers the evolving role of technology in whisky production, explores how industry shifts impact both new and rare casks, and examines the importance of strategic partnerships. If you’re fascinated by whisky's investment potential and the behind-the-scenes operations, this conversation is a must-listen.

Welcome to Episode 3 of The Whisky Investment Podcast by VCL Vintners! Join whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt as she visits the Hinch Distillery in Northern Ireland to chat with head distiller Will Stafford. In this episode, Alwynne and Will dive deep into the intricacies of Irish whiskey production, giving listeners an inside look at what makes Hinch Distillery stand out in a rapidly growing industry.Will shares his journey at Hinch, where he oversees everything from sourcing Irish barley to managing their innovative grain-to-glass production process. He explains how the distillery is working with local farmers to grow all their barley within County Down, and how their ultra-modern distillery combines efficiency with the time-honored traditions of whiskey making.One of the most exciting topics covered is Hinch’s production of peated Irish whiskey, a rarity in the Irish whiskey scene. Will reveals how they’ve embraced both double and triple distillation to craft two unique styles of peated whiskey, targeting both seasoned whiskey enthusiasts and newcomers to the category. The episode also touches on Hinch’s commitment to sustainability, particularly through their use of refill barrels and the exploration of various cask types, including bourbon, sherry, and even French oak from their owner's Bordeaux vineyard.Listeners will also learn about the upcoming release of Hinch’s heavily peated single malt, marking a significant milestone as the distillery transitions from sourced stock to its own aged whiskey. Will shares how Hinch’s whiskey has already gained international recognition, including winning World's Best Irish Blended Whiskey, and gives us a sneak peek into what’s next for the distillery, including their innovative use of the Proofworks system for advanced cask management.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the rising wave of Irish whiskey, from connoisseurs to investors looking to understand the future of the industry. Join us for this fascinating conversation about the art and science of crafting whiskey at one of Ireland’s most exciting new distilleries.🎵 Watch the video version of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aj_J5PA1tQw