There are many reasons why investors should consider rare bottles of whisky as one of the best alternative investment opportunities. Rare whisky has been by far the top performer among luxury goods for some time. Its value has risen over 398% in the last decade and is not directly tied to stock market conditions. So while equities could experience significant price corrections, whisky would steadily increase in value over time. 
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Key factors for whisky as an investment:

Reputation 
We only invest in whisky of the highest quality that is perceived as such by the trade and the public. It is advisable to buy aged whisky from well-known and established distilleries, or at least from those with promising growth prospects in the coming years. 
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Supply and demand 
The value of whisky, like much else, is subject to the fundamental law of supply and demand. In the world of investing, this means that it is strategically important to look for bottles for which there will continue to be high demand in the future and for which supply will remain limited. The price paid for a fine bottle of whisky can be quite high, regardless of availability. However, it looks even more exclusive when only a few bottles are still available worldwide. 
 
On the demand side, the global whisky market was valued at 88.1 billion U.S. dollars in 2023 and is expected to reach 108 billion dollars by 2027.

Special Release 
Special releases offer the greatest assurance that your whisky is unique. Examples could include bottlings of a new product or limited editions associated with specific events. This creates a guarantee that there will be no replenishment for future bottlings, adding to the "sentimental value" that many whisky lovers are happy to pay for. 
 
Paying for the brand is part of consumption and applies equally to whisky. Awards and reputation of the distilleries in question are the decisive selection criteria for us. Buying a bottle of whisky that has won well-known awards can further increase the investment potential.

Publisher

Origin

Type

Bottle no.

Bottle size

Quantity

Current marketvalue (at release)

Splint Invest Platform Fee 
Compensation for the tokenization of the assets, the maintenance as well as the further development of the application and the costs related to the research and maintenance of the expert network. 
 
External maintenance costs 
We are committed to providing the highest standards of storage, maintenance and insurance of your equipment on your behalf. The associated costs will be shared between the splint holders and included as an ongoing cost in relation to each asset. So if you own 1% of a bottle of whisky, your splint account will be charged 1% of the associated costs. Further details and breakdowns are listed in the factsheet for each investment. 
 
Exit fee 
When you sell an investment, you will be charged a flat fee of 2% of the transaction volume. This includes our expenses for sales on the secondary market, our costs for maintaining this market and our organisation of an asset sale at the end of the contract.

"This collection stands out because it includes some exceptionally old and rare whiskies from distilleries such as Karuizawa, which has been closed and demolished, as well as from distilleries like Port Ellen and Rosebank that were historically closed but are now being reopened. 
The reopening of distilleries like Port Ellen and Rosebank is accompanied by significant marketing efforts and public excitement. This not only introduces these distilleries to a broader audience, previously familiar only to dedicated enthusiasts, but also increases interest in their legendary old bottles. 
Sadly the world will never see whiskey from the original Karuizawa distillery. The market has already adjusted (and corrected itself) to take into account how important Karuizawa is in the canon of whisky and this perception is unlikely to change. 
As with any investment, patience is key, and over the years as these distilleries start to gather momentum these old and rare bottles will only become more sought after." - Mark Litter, Whisky Specialist at MARK LITTLER LTD 
 
Why invest in the Japanese and Scottish whisky collection? 
This unique whisky collection includes both Japanese and Scottish whisky bottles. In total, there are 13 bottles from the world's most renowned distilleries, namely Karuizawa, Yamazaki, Port Ellen, and Rosebank. Karuizawa and Port Ellen are both closed distilleries, which increases their appeal to collectors. Additionally, the bottles are highly limited. The Karuizawa 1981 has the largest release with 595 bottles, while only 60 bottles of the Port Ellen XOP 1982 were produced. Most bottles are cask strength whisky, which tends to fetch higher prices at auctions. 
 
List of bottles in this collection: 
Karuizawa 1981 / 33 years / 1 von 595 
Karuizawa 1980 / 34 years / 1 von 370 
Karuizawa 1978 / 35 years / 1 von 405 
Karuizawa 1973 / 39 years / 1 von 138 
Karuizawa 1972 / 39 years / 1 von 523 
 
Yamazaki 1993 / 19 years / 1 von 480 
 
Port Ellen COD / 40 years / 1 von 78 
Port Ellen XOP 1982 / 33 years / 1 von 60 
Port Ellen GM 1979 / 40 years / 1 von 407 
 
Rosebank 1990 #300 / 16 years / 1 von 326 
Rosebank 1990 #2 / 16 years / 1 von 243 
Rosebank 1991 / 18 years / 1 von 258 (twice in collection) 
 
Karuizawa 
The mild climate and fertile volcanic soils near Mount Asama attracted winemakers, including a company called Daikoku-budoshu, in the 1920s. Despite being primarily focused on wine production, Daikoku also operated a small whisky distillery in Yamanashi Prefecture and introduced a blended whisky named Ocean in 1946. This was one of Japan's earliest whiskies after World War II, initially targeting American GIs stationed in Japan but quickly gaining popularity among local business communities. As whisky grew in popularity in Japan, Daikoku decided to convert one of its wineries in Karuizawa into a malt whisky distillery in the mid-1950s to meet demand for its blends. However, in 1962, Daikoku was absorbed by the Mercian Corporation, known for Chateau Mercian wine. The Karuizawa distillery continued to supply malt for Japanese blends until 1976, when it began releasing small amounts as single malt, though little was exported. With the economic downturn in the 1980s and 1990s, Japanese whisky distilleries began closing, including Karuizawa in 2001. The Mercian Corporation was later acquired by Kirin, but they did not revive Karuizawa, leading to the cancellation of its distilling license. In 2016, the distillery was demolished and the site sold for redevelopment. In 2011, the remaining stock of 364 casks was purchased by the Number One Drinks Company in Norfolk, England, and gradually bottled and sold, with many fetching high prices at auction. Now, only two casks remain after years of negotiation. 
 
Yamazaki 
Yamazaki's rise to global whisky prominence is rooted in its rich history and unwavering commitment to innovation. Founded in 1924 by Shinjiro Torii, it is Japan's oldest distillery and lays the foundation for the country's whisky industry. Despite initial challenges, Yamazaki persisted, introducing its first whisky under the Suntory label in 1929. The turning point came in 1937 with the introduction of Kakubin, a blend tailored to the Japanese palate that gained great popularity. The release of the Yamazaki 12-year-old single malt in 1984 marked a significant milestone, setting the stage for further recognition. Under the leadership of Keizo Saji, Yamazaki expanded production and embraced innovation, culminating in its acquisition by Beam Inc. in 2014 and facilitating global reach and recognition. The peak of its success came in 2015 when Jim Murray named the Sherry Cask 2013 the "World Whisky of the Year," propelling Yamazaki to unparalleled heights. Today, Yamazaki remains at the forefront of the whisky industry, driving innovation and earning recognition worldwide. 
 
Port Ellen 
Named in honor of the wife of Islay's owner, Walter Frederick Campbell, a pier was constructed near the distillery in 1826, around which the village developed, eventually becoming the primary port on the island. Although the distillery was established two years prior to the pier's construction, it didn't thrive until John Ramsay assumed the role of manager. Despite being just eighteen years old, Ramsay displayed remarkable ability and soon became the laird's business partner, the foremost farmer on Islay, and a Member of Parliament. By the time of his passing in 1892, Ramsay owned the entire parish of Kildaton and had erected numerous houses on the estate. The distillery was managed thereafter by his widow and subsequently by their son, Captain Iain Ramsay of Kildalton. Port Ellen Distillery ceased production in 1983 and shut down in 1987. Its renowned smoky whisky was primarily used in blends, with only one occasion of it being bottled as a single malt by its owner in 1980, commemorating a visit by Her Majesty the Queen. The distillery was closed in 1983, and the owner, Diageo, plans to reopen it in 2024. The reopening effect has historically driven up prices of older releases. 
 
Rosebank 
Rosebank was highly esteemed as the finest Lowland malt, renowned for its delicate flavor profile. Professor MacDowell described it as "an excellent lightly flavored whisky," suggesting its popularity in England over the robust Highland malts before the era of modern blends. By the 1890s, demand for Rosebank was so high that many customers had to settle for less than they ordered, indicating its widespread appeal. Its closure was mourned by whisky enthusiasts, with Michael Jackson lamenting it as "a grievous loss." In 2008, Diageo received a proposal to revive Rosebank by building a new distillery nearby using its original stills and equipment left on site. However, the plan was thwarted when copper thieves, posing as legitimate tradesmen, broke in and either stole or damaged the equipment, evading capture. 
 
Sell your Splints? We now provide you with the option to repurchase your splints at market value anytime. Please note that an additional processing fee will apply. The processing fee varies based on the volume, investment, and your holding duration. Use the contact form to initiate the process.

The price of 94,950 € includes the Splint Invest platform fee and external maintenance costs of 11,750 €. 83,200€ can be allocated to the asset. 
Platform Fee Splint Invest: Compensation for the tokenization of the assets, the maintenance as well as the further development of the application and the costs related to the research and maintenance of the expert network. 
External maintenance costs: Shipping, handling, 9 years storage, and insurance.

Variable Costs

London City Bond, Lancaster Road, Melksham, United Kingdom

40203 Japanese and Scotch Whisky Collection

The Rare Whiskey 101 Karuizawa Index shows an appreciation of 426% over the last 10 years. 
 
The Rare Whiskey 101 Yamazaki Index shows an appreciation of 558% over the last 10 years.

Return

This collection comprises 13 bottles from a total of four of the most renowned distilleries. Port Ellen and Karuizawa are what are known as closed distilleries. 
 
This diversification lends stability to the collection.

Stability

This diversified whisky collection comprises 13 individual bottles from the most renowned Japanese and Scottish distilleries: Karuizawa, Yamazaki, Port Ellen, Rosebank.

Japanese & Scotch Whisky Collection

Karuizawa, Yamazaki, Port Ellen, and Rosebank whisky bottles are extremely popular among collectors. These distilleries have prestigious histories. 
 
The whisky in the bottles ranges from 16 to 40 years old.

Track Record

<a href="https://marklittler.com/">Mark Littler Ltd.</a> provides a bespoke whisky brokerage and investment service to help you buy and sell whisky bottles and casks.

<a href="https://marklittler.com/">Mark Littler Ltd</a>&nbsp;provides a bespoke whisky brokerage and investment service to help you buy and sell whisky bottles and casks. 
 
As one of the few independent brokers in the UK, we are uniquely positioned to provide expert market knowledge, analysis and advice to help you buy and sell whisky. We can offer advice at all levels, from private individuals and funds to larger funds and solicitors. 
 
One of our specialities is collections. In 2022 we helped a customer consign <a href="https://sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/the-timeless-whisky-collection-2">The Timeless Whisky Collection</a> to auction with Sotheby’s USA, which was the most valuable whisky collection ever to be brought to auction in the USA. In 2019 we also sold the well known vertical of <a href="marklittler.com/sold-macallan-vertical/">Macallan 18 year old</a> which made news worldwide. If you are looking to sell or build a collection then Mark Littler can help. 
 
If you are interested in keeping up to date with the whisky market then be sure to check out their <a href="https://youtube.com/channel/UCzf01RjR5hpUfVllOVjFVGg/videos">YouTube channel</a>. 
 
We also provide professional help across the UK with all aspects of luxury goods and antiques including: Selling at auction, brokering private sales, downsizing and probate valuations.

Mark Littler LTD

Mark has a BA in Fine Art and Art History, and an MA in Museum Studies from the University of Manchester where the focus for his thesis was the sociological construct of value in cultural goods, i.e. why is one painting worth more than another. 
 
Mark moved into the Antiques and whisky industry after he graduated and launched the business in 2016 following a 10 year career as an auctioneer.

This is an investment opportunity where we have recalculated the expected performance given by the external expert (Mark Littler Ltd) and have thus verified that a positive return can be expected after deduction of all costs for storage and insurance.

Furthermore, we have verified the existence, the professional storage and the insurance of the bottles.

Japanese & Scotch Whisky Collection

Asset's Life Cycle Details

Storage location

Asset ID

Token terms

Expert

Category

Status

Total number of Splints

Date of issuance (launch)

Issue price per Splint

Investment horizon in years

Time period for the divestment

Documents

Aurelio

Do you have questions?