FAQ's
Welcome to our company's FAQ page! Here you'll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive from our customers. If you can't find the information you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us and'll be happy to assist you.
1
What is the minimum amount I can invest?
At Sonus Whiskey Investments, we provide customised whiskey cask investment options to suit a range of investor profiles. Our smallest investment starts with a single cask, priced at approximately £2,000.
However, most investors typically build portfolios valued between £25,000 and £50,000.
2
Are Whiskey Investments really Capital Gains Tax Free?
As outlined by the HMRC (UK Tax Authority) in the Capital Gains Manual section TCGA92/S44, in the United Kingdom, whisky casks are classified as a "wasting asset". A wasting asset is defined as any asset with a predictable life that does not exceed 50 years. Therefore, collectors aren't required to pay CGT on the profits earned from trading cask whiskey.
3
Is there a grantee on my investment?
No, as with most investments, whiskey casks do not come with guarantees. Please beware of any companies that offer a guarantee on your returns.
Whiskey casks fluctuate in price, and their value depends on a number of factors.
4
How is the ownership of the cask confirmed?
When investing in whiskey, it's crucial that the cask is clearly recognised as your legal property. This ownership is verified through a Delivery Order and storage certificates issued by warehouses to account holders at the warehouse that hold a WOWGR license.
While it’s uncommon for an individual to receive a Delivery Order, this doesn't prevent them from securing legal ownership of a cask.
Sonus Whiskey Investments has a WOWGR licence and holds an account at bonded facilities in Ireland. The contract that we have is called a Bailment Contract and certifies that Sonus Whiskey Investments is managing the whisky cask on behalf of the investor, who is the legal owner. It creates a transparent and legally documented trail of ownership.
This is vital because it means that if anything ever happened to Sonus Whiskey Investments, your
cask would not fall into the company’s assets – it belongs to you, the investor.
5
I’m not a resident of the UK, can I invest?
Yes, there is no problem.
6
Where will I store my cask?
We have partnered with one of the largest whiskey maturation facilities in the UK, registered with HMRC as a bonded warehouse. A bonded warehouse is licensed and regulated by HMRC (the UK Tax Authority) to store goods free from duty and VAT.
We recommend keeping your cask at this location, and we can help facilitate this process. The storage charges are £40 per year or £200 for 5 years. However, you are always welcome to store it at another location.
Please note that if you decide to take your cask out of bond, customs duty and other taxes will apply unless it is being moved to another bonded warehouse.
7
What happens if Sonus Whiskey Investments closes or goes out of business?
In the unlikely case that this happens, as the legal owner of your cask(s) and due to our bailment contract - your casks remain your assets, as you are the ultimate beneficial owner.
You casks cannot be sold or seised to fulfil any of Sonus Whiskey Investment’s debts.
8
Are Cask Investments regulated?
The sale of whisky casks under bond is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK.
There is however there is regulation for all legitimate companies to hold licensing from HMRC (the UK’s tax authority) called a WOWGR. All legitimate companies will be registered on the WOWGR register.
Always seek your own, independent financial and legal advice before proceeding with a purchase.
9
What’s the investment horizon?
The minimum recommended investment horizon is 4 years, although it is possible to sell early and still make a profit due to Sonus Whiskey Investment’s competitive pricing of our casks, secured through direct connections to distillers and our industry leaders.
Another reason that we suggest to hold the investment for 4 years is because of the Irish Whiskey Act of 1980 (UK), this requires New Liquid from a distillery to mature for at least 3 years to legally be called Irish Whiskey.
Whiskey cask value appreciates due to two main factors; a positive supply versus demand dynamic and the value gain from liquid maturation. This means that holding the cask longer, you have more assurance that the value will rise over time. Therefore, many of our investors keep their casks for up to 8 years or more before selling - for a larger return.
