The 1901 Group
Whisky cask broker (The 1901 Group Ltd, founded c.2019) led by Aaron Damiano Sparkes, providing whisky cask ownership across the ownership lifecycle including acquisition, management and realisation. Whisky 1901 is now a separate independent bottling brand and is not part of the cask investment business. Storage and insurance covered for the first two years, then £150+VAT per cask/year. Not FCA-authorised — cask ownership is unregulated; no FSCS or FOS protection.
General Information
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 it 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 do they 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 it 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.
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