The 1901 Group
Whisky cask broker (The 1901 Group Ltd, founded c.2019) led by Aaron Damiano Sparkes, covering cask acquisition, management and realisation.
Other. does not receive payment when you visit a platform. Inclusion is not endorsement.
- ~£5,000
- Minimum investment
- ~£35M (unverified)
- AUM / raised
- 2019
- Launched
- UK & International
- Geography
- No
- Secondary market
- Equity
- Investment type
The 1901 Group in ten seconds
Structured fields recorded the same way for every platform in the directory, so they can be compared like for like.
- Asset classes
- Luxury Assets
- Investment type
- Equity
- Not FCA regulated · Unregulated (HMRC-bonded)
- ~£5,000
- ~£35M (unverified)
- Founded
- 2019
- Geography
- UK & International
- No
- Operating status
- Active
- Last reviewed
- September 2026
- Website
- the1901group.com
What is The 1901 Group?
The 1901 Group is a whisky cask investment firm, led by Aaron Damiano Sparkes. Founded c. 2019, with operations marketed to UK and international clients. Reported (unverified) AUM of c. £35m. Not authorised by the FCA — cask whisky is unregulated; no FSCS or FOS protection.
Brand note: the cask investment business formerly traded as Whisky 1901 and rebranded to The 1901 Group. Whisky 1901 continues as the group's independent bottling brand and is not involved in cask investment.
How does The 1901 Group work?
The firm sells Scotch whisky casks with legal title transferred via a consumer goods agreement. Investors receive a digital portal to track cask details, valuation estimates and maturation progress. Casks are stored in HMRC-bonded warehouses. Exits include direct sale, auction or bottling services.
What does The 1901 Group offer?
Direct cask ownership from approximately £5,000 (reported, unverified). The firm applies a discretionary markup on cask sales; storage and insurance are covered for the first two years, then charged at £150 + VAT per cask per year. Exit fees apply per the platform terms.
Who is The 1901 Group for?
Investors who understand and accept the speculative, unregulated nature of cask whisky and who have conducted thorough independent due diligence on title, custody and exit routes. Capital is at risk.
Sources and methodology
- Last reviewed
- September 2026
- Sources
- the1901group.com (FAQs, fees, ownership); Companies House (The 1901 Group Ltd); FCA consumer warnings on cask whisky
- Methodology
- How we research platforms →
Editorial research, not financial advice. See the full disclaimer in the site footer. Are you the owner of The 1901 Group or representing the company? To submit an addition, clarification or correction, get in touch or use our contact form.
Visit the platform to review current opportunities and terms.
You will leave Other. Read the offer document and check the FCA register entry before investing.
The 1901 Group vs other Luxury Assets platforms
| The 1901 Group | Jura Capital | Unbolted | Masterworks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | ~£5,000 | From $25,000 (Prof./HNW/Soph. only) | £5,000 | ~$15,000 (shares ~$20) |
| FCA status | Not FCA regulated | Not FCA regulated | FCA authorised | Not FCA regulated |
| Structure | Equity | Equity | Debt | Equity |
| Secondary market | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Founded | 2019 | — | 2014 | 2017 |
| Geography | UK & International | UK, International | UK | Global (US-domiciled) |