Investing in whiskey casks was once the exclusive domain of industry insiders and ultra-wealthy collectors. However, with rising global demand for premium spirits and a need for tangible asset diversification, the market is undergoing a significant transformation. CaskX has emerged as a key player in this space, bridging the gap between individual investors and top-tier distilleries in the United States and Scotland. By offering a transparent, secure platform for purchasing and aging whiskey barrels, CaskX allows investors to capitalize on the natural appreciation of spirits over time.
We sat down with Jeremy Kasler, Founder and CEO of CaskX, to discuss the broader trajectory of the whiskey market, the pivotal role investors play in the industry’s growth, and the unique opportunities found within CaskX’s partner distilleries.
Q: The whiskey investment market has evolved significantly over the last few years. From your vantage point, what are the key macro trends currently driving the global demand for barreled bourbon and Scotch?
Jeremy Kasler:
One of the most influential macro trends shaping the whiskey market is the rise of international demand for both bourbon and scotch. Rather than examining every global market, India offers a clear example of this shift and has become one of the fastest-growing consumer bases.
Historically, most local consumers in India have turned to premium imported spirits such as scotch and now, bourbon. To put it in perspective, one day of whiskey production in India could empty about 14 million barrels in Kentucky, which dramatically shows how the market has evolved as consumers move toward premium spirits. This rise in international consumption points to a long-term upward trend for American bourbon.
Over the past five to ten years, the dynamics within the bourbon industry have changed significantly. While U.S. consumers were once the primary focus, international markets now play a much larger role in shaping demand. International spirit companies are now acquiring distilleries located in Kentucky and Tennessee to establish distribution abroad. Companies like Diageo and Brown-Forman are using their global reach to markets like India.
Q: CaskX emphasizes working directly with distilleries rather than just brokering existing stock. How does this direct partnership model benefit both the investor and the distilleries you work with, such as Jackson Purchase and Kentucky Artisan Distillery?
Jeremy Kasler:
That’s correct, our direct partnerships with distilleries are the foundation of the CaskX business model, which mutually benefits both our investors and partners.
First, it grants us more access to barrels at favorable pricing, which are then passed straight to our investors. This offers them a lower entry point and greater potential for longer-term growth as the bourbon matures.
Another key advantage is the ability to work closely on the production side. Rather than purchasing barrels at random, we work alongside distilleries to select specific mashbills that we believe are best suited for investment. Right now, we are particularly focused on wheated bourbon and American single malt.
On the other hand, our partnerships allow CaskX to host exclusive events where our clients can visit the distilleries, meet the makers, and see firsthand how their barrels are made. This deeper level of connection offers something more than other investments don’t.
One example is our Investor Showcase at Jackson Purchase Distillery in western Kentucky, just outside the traditional bourbon trail. We invited a group of clients for a full day focused on education and hands-on experiences, including live discussions with industry professionals about barrel production and a live barrel-charring demonstration. Guests also toured the facility to see firsthand where the American single malt they invested in is produced and aged.
Experiences like this create a genuine bond between the investor and the distillery, which is highly unusual for most investments. Typically, you invest in a product without ever meeting the people behind it. Through CaskX, clients build real relationships and gain a deeper appreciation for the craft itself, creating an emotional dividend in addition to a financial one, which makes our approach different.
Q: You’ve often described whiskey as a “safe-haven” asset that is uncorrelated with the stock market. In today’s volatile economic climate, why is this lack of correlation so critical for a modern investment portfolio?
Jeremy Kasler:
From an investment standpoint, any experienced financial advisor would emphasize the importance of diversification. When investments all move in the same direction, they’ll eventually rise and fall together. The value of diversification comes from owning assets that act differently across market cycles.
A bourbon barrel is a real, tangible asset. Unlike digital assets that can lose value overnight, bourbon continues to improve with time. Eight years down the road, a newly filled barrel has the potential to become something inherently different. It’s an asset that operates outside the daily swings of traditional markets.
How bourbon develops over time is what makes it so compelling, whether it comes from established regions or newer producers. We’re watching the places and practices that stay focused on quality and craftsmanship, because we believe they’re built to last and help shape the next generation of fine spirits.
Q: Your portfolio includes partners from established regions like Kentucky and Scotland. Are you seeing any emerging regions or innovative distillery practices that you believe will shape the next decade of whiskey production?
Jeremy Kasler:
We tend to focus on what we consider blue-chip regions that have a long track record of producing consistent and high-quality whiskey, such as Kentucky and Tennessee. Although whiskey is made all over the world, you’ll find distilleries in nearly every state. Interestingly, California actually has one of the highest numbers of distilleries, but volume doesn’t always translate to long-term quality or investment potential.
Regarding the innovation side, some important aspects will continue to shape the next decade of production. More distilleries are becoming more intentional about how they operate, and not just in terms of production, but through community involvement, environmentally friendly practices, and adapting to changing consumer preferences.
Mashbills is another key innovative area. The American Single Malt is a prime example. It was formally recognized as a category in 2025 that has become a vital growth segment. This is helping drive both domestic and international exports that will contribute to the future of the bourbon industry.
Q: For someone new to alternative assets, the idea of “exit strategies” for a physical barrel can be daunting. How does CaskX simplify the monetization process when the whiskey finally comes of age?
Jeremy Kasler:
When it comes time to sell, we’re happy to assist our clients through the entire process. We charge a 5% brokerage fee and source potential buyers across different channels.
One of the largest buyer groups we work with is Non-distilling producers, also known as NDPs. What many people don’t realize is that a significant number of bourbon brands on store shelves don’t actually distill their own whiskey. Instead, they’ll build brands by purchasing aged barrels, bottling them, and selling to the market. For that reason, there’s consistent demand for quality, well-aged bourbon barrels.
The demand becomes clear around the eight-year mark. Typically, an eight -year old bourbon is not only sought after by NDPs, but also by other investors who are looking to purchase mature barrels. Although there are multiple exit strategies available, we facilitate primarily through non-distilling producers.
To simplify the process further, each client is assigned a dedicated specialist who actively monitors the market on their behalf. We provide regular updates and guidance on pricing, timing, and potential opportunities. Investors also have the option to bottle their bourbon themselves, but many choose to have us manage the entire process. Once they approve, we handle everything from start to finish, making monetization seamless and easy to navigate.
To learn more about investing in whiskey casks, visit https://caskx.com/.
