Whisky Cask Categories: Key Differences

We categorise whisky casks into five main types, each with distinct characteristics based on age and rarity. These include New Make Casks, Maturing Casks, Aged Casks, Rare & Old Casks, and Legacy Casks. Each category highlights the differences among whisky casks, from young spirits to rare, aged selections from Scotland’s top distilleries. These options cater to both whisky enthusiasts and collectors.

New Make Casks
 

Average Value: $5,000-$10,000

Cask Age: 0-3 Years

 

Every whisky begins in a cask with a clear spirit from the distillery stills, known as ‘New Make’. The spirit transforms into whisky through the interaction between the wood and the liquid over time. It’s important to note that it cannot be labelled as whisky until it matures for at least three years. New make casks give you the chance to start at the very beginning of the ageing process and be involved from the start of its lifecycle.

Maturing Casks

Average Value: $13000 – $15,000

Cask Age: 4-12 Years

Now the cask is officially whisky! Maturing casks are an excellent choice if you want to skip the early years of maturation. These casks are ready to be sampled and nearing the point where they are considered “ready for consumption”. If you’re looking to own a cask for a medium-term or wish to wait a shorter time for bottling, maturing casks offer a solid option.

Aged Casks
 

Average Value: $18,000-$32,000

Cask Age: 13-20 Years

 

At this stage, fewer casks remain as many are bottled. As supply dwindles, remaining casks become more valuable. Aged casks are ideal for whisky enthusiasts who want a cask that’s ready for bottling or for those who seek a shorter ownership period—or simply don’t want to wait.

Rare & Old Casks
 

Average Value: $50,000

Cask Age: 21-29 Years

 

At this stage, a cask can either be bottled right away or kept longer to develop into something even rarer. The volume of liquid maturing past 21 years drops to below twenty percent in the single malt category, and even less in all of Scotch whisky. Rare and old casks offer an opportunity to acquire a truly unique piece of whisky history.

Legacy Casks
 

Average Value: $100,000

Cask Age: Varies

 

Legacy casks represent more than just age—they carry the legacy of lost distilleries and private collections. These rare casks present a unique opportunity for collectors and investors seeking a piece of whisky heritage. At Braeburn Whisky, we specialise in sourcing exclusive casks, from renowned Macallan to carefully aged oak barrels. We help clients acquire, manage, and sell their casks, as well as create bespoke bottlings.

New Make Casks

Average Value: $5,000-$10,000
Cask Age: 0-3 Years

Every whisky begins in a cask with a clear spirit from the distillery stills, known as ‘New Make’. The spirit transforms into whisky through the interaction between the wood and the liquid over time. It’s important to note that it cannot be labelled as whisky until it matures for at least three years. New make casks give you the chance to start at the very beginning of the ageing process and be involved from the start of its lifecycle.

Maturing Casks

Average Value: $13000 – $15,000
Cask Age: 4-12 Years

Now the cask is officially whisky! Maturing casks are an excellent choice if you want to skip the early years of maturation. These casks are ready to be sampled and nearing the point where they are considered “ready for consumption”. If you’re looking to own a cask for a medium-term or wish to wait a shorter time for bottling, maturing casks offer a solid option.

Aged Casks

Average Value: $18,000-$32,000

Cask Age: 13-20 Years

At this stage, fewer casks remain as many are bottled. As supply dwindles, remaining casks become more valuable. Aged casks are ideal for whisky enthusiasts who want a cask that’s ready for bottling or for those who seek a shorter ownership period—or simply don’t want to wait.

Be it for bottling or investment,
we help our clients with every step
in their whisky cask ownership journey.

Taylor Cost van Putten

President

Braeburn Whisky

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Rare & Old Casks

Average Value: $50,000
Cask Age: 21-29 Years

At this stage, a cask can either be bottled right away or kept longer to develop into something even rarer. The volume of liquid maturing past 21 years drops to below twenty percent in the single malt category, and even less in all of Scotch whisky. Rare and old casks offer an opportunity to acquire a truly unique piece of whisky history.

Legacy Casks

Average Value: $100,000
Cask Age: Varies

Legacy casks represent more than just age—they carry the legacy of lost distilleries and private collections. These rare casks present a unique opportunity for collectors and investors seeking a piece of whisky heritage. At Braeburn Whisky, we specialise in sourcing exclusive casks, from renowned Macallan to carefully aged oak barrels. We help clients acquire, manage, and sell their casks, as well as create bespoke bottlings.

Discover why some whisky casks, like those from Macallan, hold exceptional value, and learn how you can invest in one today.

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