The Whisky Investment Podcast by VCL Vintners

What actually happens to a cask before whisky ever goes into it? In this episode, host Alwynne Gwilt travels to Oakwood Cooperage near Glasgow to find out, sitting down with chairman Graham Hamilton to talk through the craft of coopering from the ground up. Graham tells the story of co-founding Oakwood with master cooper Brent Bowie in 2018, and how the business has grown into a 160-strong operati...

What does the whisky cask market really look like in 2026? In this episode, Alwynne Gwilt sits down with Tommy Major, Head Cask Broker at VCL Vintners, for an honest conversation about the forces shaping the industry right now. Tommy breaks down what historic trade deals with India and China mean for investors, why geopolitical uncertainty can actually strengthen the case for whisky as a tangible...

Was 2025 really a bad year for whisky, or just a misunderstood one? In this episode of The Whisky Investment Podcast by VCL Vintners, whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt sits down with VCL co-founder Benjamin Lancaster to unpack what really happened in the cask market last year – and what it might mean for investors in 2026 and beyond. Ben shares an insider view on headlines about oversupply, softer l...

  How do you actually taste whisky, beyond reading the notes on the label In this episode of The Whisky Investment Podcast by VCL Vintners, whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt sits down with New York based author and drinks journalist Mandy Naglich, known online as @drinkswithmandy, to explore the science of flavour and the art of becoming a better taster. Mandy, one of the first 100 Advanced Cicerone...

In this episode of the Whisky Investment Podcast, whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt is joined by Pete Allison, whisky maker at Woven, the Edinburgh based blending house that is quietly rewriting the rules of modern whisky. From a tiny lab in Leith, Woven brings together spirits from Scotland, England, the Nordics and beyond to create blends that focus on texture, balance and storytelling. Pete share...

In this episode of the VCL Vintners Whisky Investment Podcast, whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt visits Doghouse Distillery in Battersea, London, home to the city’s first bourbon style corn whisky. She’s joined by co‑founder Katherine Saunders who shares the distillery’s grain to bottle ethos, their journey from gin to moonshine, and the launch of their bold three year old American style corn whisky...

With former trade adviser Alex Boyd We’re back with Season 3 of the Whisky Investment Podcast, and this year we’re kicking things off with a truly global perspective. In this first episode, whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt is joined by Alex Boyd, a former UK government trade adviser turned international trade consultant. Together, they unpack the implications of the long-awaited India UK Free Trade...

Welcome to Episode 10 of The Whisky Investment Podcast by VCL Vintners! In this special on-location episode, whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt travels to the Copper Rivet Distillery in Kent to sit down with Head Distiller Abhi Banik. Together, they uncover the unique story behind one of England’s most innovative craft distilleries. Alwynne and Abhi explore how Copper Rivet stands apart through its r...

Welcome to Episode 9 of The Whisky Investment Podcast by VCL Vintners! Join whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt as she sits down with Vinay Chavda, Head of IT at VCL Vintners, to delve into the innovative world of whisky investment technology. In this episode, Alwynne and Vinay explore how VCL is transforming traditional whisky investment through cutting-edge digital platforms, creating a seamless and...

Join whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt as she sits down with Francisco Rosa—better known as Chico—the whisky maker at England’s Fielden Distillery. In this episode of the VCL Vintners Whisky Investment Podcast, we dive into Fielden’s groundbreaking approach to whisky making, blending traditional techniques with sustainable, regenerative farming. Chico shares insights into his journey from winemaking...

Join whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt as she sits down with VCL Vintners co-founder Benjamin Lancaster and Head Cask Trader Tommy Major to reflect on the whisky investment landscape of 2024 and what’s ahead for 2025. In this episode of the VCL Vintners Whisky Investment Podcast, we explore how global events, shifting investor sentiment, and changing whisky availability shaped the past year—and the...

Join whisky industry legend John Campbell as he reflects on nearly three decades of experience in Scotch whisky, including a remarkable 27 years at Laphroaig Distillery. In this episode of the VCL Vintners Whisky Investment Podcast, we explore the evolution of whisky from a middle-aged man’s drink to a global phenomenon embraced by diverse audiences. Discover how the balance of tradition and innov...

Join whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt in this episode of the VCL Vintners Whisky Investment Podcast, where she sits down with YouTube personality and luxury collector Tom Exton, better known as TGE. Together, they explore Tom's journey into whisky investment, his love for shiny, expensive things, and the lessons he’s learned from cars, watches, and property. Whether you’re curious about altern...

Join whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt as she delves into the intricacies of cask management with VCL Vintners co-founder Benjamin Lancaster. This episode uncovers the evolving role of technology in whisky production, explores how industry shifts impact both new and rare casks, and examines the importance of strategic partnerships. If you’re fascinated by whisky's investment potential and the b...

Welcome to Episode 3 of The Whisky Investment Podcast by VCL Vintners! Join whisky journalist Alwynne Gwilt as she visits the Hinch Distillery in Northern Ireland to chat with head distiller Will Stafford. In this episode, Alwynne and Will dive deep into the intricacies of Irish whiskey production, giving listeners an inside look at what makes Hinch Distillery stand out in a rapidly growing indust...

Join whisky journalist Alwyn Gwilt as she sits down with legendary whisky expert Charles Maclean MBE. If you're curious about the global whisky boom and the future of Scotch, this episode is a must-listen. We explore everything from the rise of single malts to the exciting trends and challenges facing the industry today.

Welcome to Episode 1 of The Whisky Investment Podcast by VCL Vintners! Join whisky journalist Alwyn Gwilt, as she chats with Russell Bradley, the man behind the meticulous operations at VCL Vintners. If you're curious about the journey whisky takes from cask to bottle, you're in the right place. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating details of whisky cask management. Russell give...

In this episode, Alwynne is joined by Benjamin Lancaster, VCL co-founder and Tommy Major, Head Cask Broker. Looking back at the stories that hit the headlines in 2022 and had an impact on whisky investment.

In this episode, Alwynne is joined by Max Vaughan, co-founder of the White Peak Distillery. This craft distillery based in the Peak District is making waves in the industry and shows that exceptional whisky isn't only made in Scotland.

In this episode, Alwynne is joined by VCL's Ben Lancaster to discuss the impacts of whisky trade tariffs and bi-lateral trade agreements from around the world.

In this episode, we're heading to the United States to understand more about the impact that tariffs from the UK and EU had on whiskey exports there and what changes we'll see on these shores now that tariffs have been removed in June. Rob Maron from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) joins Alwynne.

One of the main draws for investors looking to diversify their portfolios with Whisky Casks is the tax-free status of profits. Alwynne is joined by Simone Lyons, a tax specialist from top 50 accountancy firm Gerald Edelman, and VCL co-owner Ben Lancaster.

John Laurie, the MD of Scotland's oldest distillery, The Glenturret, joins Alwynne to discuss the challenges faced in the light of Brexit, COVID and US Tariffs. Find out why the outlook for the future is still incredibly positive for smaller distilleries like Glenturret.

VCL's Head of Stock and Logistics, Martin Meldrum, joins Alwynne to discuss his role in the management of our cask holdings and the launch of VCL's Independent Bottling range. 

VCL co-owner Ben Lancaster joins Alwynne to discuss how whisky cask sales can be modernised with the help of NFTs & find out about VCL's world record-breaking whisky cask auction from 2021