Is Whisky Still a Smart Move in 2025? 5 Reasons It Still Makes Sense

Whisky is going through a bit of a lull right now. Sales are down compared to previous years and it seems like a less attractive investment. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Here’s why investing in whisky and whisky casks is an interesting opportunity in 2025.

Investing is always a balancing act and never without risk. The interplay between supply and demand is crucial, along with a few other factors. Think back to when Bitcoin went into a tailspin due to global events.

The cryptocurrency suddenly fell from its pedestal and its value plunged. For months it drifted along at a low level. And then it happened: the price shot up and each bitcoin was worth nearly sixty thousand dollars. Later, it even climbed past the hundred-thousand mark.

It shows just how variable any investment can be whether it’s shares in a company, a digital coin, or liquid gold. Of course, there are differences between the three. Crypto is notoriously volatile, while equities tend to be more stable.

With whisky, the dynamic is clearly about supply and demand. In recent years, demand for the spirit was sky-high. Producers ramped up supply, but now demand has cooled while supply remains plentiful. Inevitably, that pendulum will swing back again.

A major advantage whisky has over stocks or crypto is that this nectar of the gods is considered movable property. If you hold cryptocurrency, you pay tax at year’s end on the value of your holdings at that moment.

That can add up quickly after a strong year. But whisky is different. There may be a tax advantage in play.

In the Netherlands, you don’t pay direct capital gains tax on whisky. The value of your casks is included in box 3, but only based on a deemed return—not on your actual profit. If you gift the casks to someone, gift tax may apply.

In Belgium, there is no wealth tax. That means you don’t pay an annual tax on the value of your whisky casks. If you gift the casks, a special rate for movable goods applies.

The whisky market may feel turbulent right now, but some segments are holding strong. High age-statement bottles are still sought after by collectors and investors. The same goes for vintage whiskies (the year the spirit was distilled).

A great example is the Benromach 40 Year Old from 2022. In 2023 this bottle was worth 1,200 euros on the secondary market. Last month it climbed to 1,600 euros.

Recently, cask prices have remained fairly stable, says Ross Archer, co-owner of Spiritfilled and Braeside Bond. But demand for casks is shifting.

Even if the whisky market doesn’t feel enticing at the moment, it still is. Whisky isn’t the kind of investment that delivers returns in a matter of days—especially not when you invest in casks.

Archer explains that whisky’s value doesn’t increase overnight.

Another advantage of investing in whisky is insurance. Bottles you buy and keep at home usually aren’t insured. A rare bottle falling off a shelf can be an expensive mishap.

With cask investments, it’s a different story. When you invest in casks, they’re usually insured or can be insured. For example, if you purchase a cask through Braeside Bond, insurance and storage are included as standard. You can be confident your cask is safely stored in a Scottish warehouse.

If the cask is accidentally damaged or stolen, it’s covered. Braeside Bond is effectively saying two things: your whisky is in capable hands and your investment is protected. And they back that up, the warehouse is run by whisky lovers and equipped with a host of measures to keep your cask safe.

Think state-of-the-art security with 24/7 monitoring, a comprehensive fire system, and climate control to ensure the casks are stored in perfect conditions.

Braeside Bond is a large warehouse where countless clients have purchased and stored their whisky casks. The Scottish company offers a personalized, end-to-end approach for every client.

Anyone interested in whisky casks can get in touch for one-on-one guidance from a member of the team. After you purchase a cask, it’s stored in the secure warehouse for three years or longer. Samples are available regularly, and if needed, the whisky can be reracked.

You can visit your cask at any time. In fact, there’s on-site accommodation for your stay. The warehouse is surrounded by several distilleries and plenty more to explore. So it’s not just a check-in on your liquid investment it’s also a mini-break to Scotland.