Still In Cask, a brand new global platform, is set to revolutionise the way whisk(e)y can be sold to the consumer.

Still In Cask is a brand-new global platform that, for the first time, will give consumers around the globe the opportunity to buy shares in a cask of spirit directly from a distillery, from as little as £20.00 a cask share. The innovative business has been developed to democratise the ownership of cask spirits and assures consumer ownership using the Stellar Network’s public blockchain.

The Still In Cask model is the brainchild of Liam Hirt. He founded Psychopomp Microdistillery and Circumstance Distillery and was the architect of the first whisky offering using blockchain technology. Working with Liam are his three co-directors, Zak Hirt*, Danny Walker* and Illy Jaffar*.

Liam Hirt commented “Cask ownership is usually reserved for those that can afford an entire cask or those that can form a syndicate of like-minded individuals, meaning many enthusiasts are therefore excluded. Cask purchases are historically complex and investment focused making it even harder to get involved”

He continues “Whisk(e)y and cask aged spirits are continuing to enjoy global growth, from everyday drinking to collectables. The consumer profile is getting younger, and they are no longer perceived as a male preserve. Still In Cask democratises the ownership of cask spirits for both consumers and distilleries and brings the service to life with immersive brand experiences in the digital and real world.”

Kicking off this innovative start-up, which will go live to the public on 15th May 2021, are the following progressive distillers: NcNean, Circumstance Distillery, Cotswolds Distillery, Mackmyra and Connacht Distillery.

Still In Cask is an online platform for mobile or desktop. stillincask.com. It offers a free service to customers, but they also have the opportunity to join the Still In Cask Reserve Club. The free service allows customers to buy cask shares and receive regular updates on their casks. The Reserve Club is a subscription costing £5 a month that gives priority access to all new cask’s listings for two weeks before those casks become available to other members. The reserve club also gives a number of other member perks including, meet the distiller tastings and events, discussion forum and a newsletter. Once a cask has been bought, Still In Cask will provide key updates of the stages of the liquid in cask.

Still In Cask is a part family run venture. Zak Hirt Is Liam’s brother and has taken the reins on the software development for the business. He commented “Blockchain brings something to a business that a traditional database architecture couldn’t. It’s a progressive platform that is great for innovation, but the most important reason for us is that our accounts and ‘Cask Shares’ are independent from Still In Cask. Should Still In Cask cease operations the consumers would still be able to redeem their ‘Cask Shares’ with the distillery. Secondly, using a blockchain allows easy, secure transfer of ‘Cask Shares’ between consumers, making gifting for landmark occasions a simple affair.”

Liam Hirt concludes “Still in Cask is about being open, unpretentious, and warm, and it embodies the generous hospitality that are trademarks of Cask spirits.” Consumers can register their interest via the website stillincask.com

Notes 

*LIAM HIRT – following a career in medicine using machine learning and AI for his research he founded Psychopomp Microdistillery and Circumstance Distillery. Liam is the Architect of the first whisky offering on a blockchain.

*ZAK HIRT – a qualified management accountant with over 20 years’ experience in the financial sector. His professional roles have encompassed trading, risk management, accounting, and technology. He is the founder and developer of napkin.co.uk, an epos system for hospitality and online ordering.

*DANNY WALKER – has over 20 years’ experience across the drinks industry as an international award winning bartender, brand ambassador, product developer and distiller

*ILLY JAFFAR – is an award winning marketer having worked with some of the biggest global brands in spirits and entertainment. Passionate about creativity and innovation Illy is a NED/Trustee and also a Keeper of the Quaich

How the block chain works:

Still In Cask is built on a public blockchain. Consumers create an account on the blockchain through the Still In Cask platform. When a distillery offers a cask for sale through Still In Cask it is divided into ‘Cask Shares’ (equating to a bottle of cask strength spirit) on the blockchain. When a consumer buys a ‘Cask Share’ from the distillery, the Shares are automatically transferred to the consumer’s account. It may take many years, but when the spirit has finished maturing the Cask Share can be redeemed and the bottle containing your cask share is sent to you to enjoy.