S2 E4: Behind the Scenes: Future of Cask Management with Benjamin Lancaster

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

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.