Cask whisky is a waiting game, but it can be a rewarding one. Much like nurturing a rare plant that only blooms after years of care. So, what if the unthinkable happens? What if your cask goes missing or gets damaged before it’s ready? Truth is, we know that the idea of insurance may not be the most glamorous part of the process, but it’s certainly one of the most important aspects to cover.

Let’s get the elephant out of the room. We’ve heard through the grapevine that some companies offer “10 years free insurance”. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? As attractive as it sounds, honestly speaking, it’s really just a hook used to reel you in most of the time. Dig a little deeper and the cracks may start to show.

Not convinced by basic insurance? In this blog, we’ll dive into what proper cover really looks like; and why we go the extra mile to protect your whisky investment.

But first, let’s get into the nitty gritty.

What Does 10 Years Free Usually Mean?

In the simplest of terms, the 10 years free policy often covers the bare minimum. Think perhaps flooding, fires, but not much else. Basically, they’re pretty generic asset insurance. They’re simply not designed for the nuances of cask whisky. Even worse, their protection against theft, accidental damage or ‘mysterious disappearance’ (leakage) is often quite limited (trust us when we say these things can happen). In our book, these are all real-world risks when storing physical goods like cask whisky.

What’s more, when you cast your eye on the fine print with a fine-toothed comb, the wording often includes ambiguous claim processes that could leave your head spinning, along with vague compensation limits.

So, when you do the maths, “free” can often mean low value and inadequate cover. Does that really sound like the cover you want? Not so much.

We know that not all insurance is created equal. In essence, “free” sounds nice. But what if you want to cover all bases? Hackstons has you covered.

What Makes Hackstons Insurance Different?

We wanted to pull out all the stops for you, with a policy that’s far from basic. That’s why our policy is bespoke and finely written, courtesy of Lloyd’s of London, one of the most trusted names in the insurance world. It’s specifically designed for cask whisky ownership, with real-world risks in mind.

This not only includes fire damage, but also theft, unexplained losses, and ‘mysterious disappearance’ (essentially leakage) we touched on earlier in this blog. Plus, many more risks that you may not have even considered. The works.

So, say for example that your cask happens to have been nicked. Fortunately, you won’t need to break a sweat. Your cask will be replaced swiftly, with each claim covered up to £100,000. You read that right.

“If your cask ever gets nicked, don’t worry. Your investment will be replaced—we’ve seen it happen before.”
— Alphie Valentine, Co-founder and Director of Hackstons

Why Does Bespoke Insurance Cover Matter to Whisky Investors?

Investing in whisky isn’t just about potential returns. It’s about protecting something real. Accidents happen. So do thefts and floods. Such is life.

Luckily for our clients, our insurance policy turns uncertainty into reassurance. We don’t cut corners. So, if you think your cask is worth holding onto, it’s worth covering properly.

Wrapping Things Up: Your Cask’s In Safe Hands At Hackstons

Insurance might not be the flashiest subject, but if you’re serious about whisky investment, it’s absolutely something you can’t afford to overlook.

Finally, we’ll be talking about the key questions you need to ask when embarking on your very own cask whisky ownership journey.

Fancy a dram? We’re a social bunch and love putting a face to a name. Let us know if you’d like to meet us at our office in the gherkin, explore our Knightsbridge retail store, or just hop on a call. Whatever feels right.