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 asset, and how distilleries slowing production today could create real scarcity tomorrow. He shares where the smartest opportunities lie for long-term holders and why patience remains the single most important quality in this market.

We also explore the explosive growth of Southeast Asia, with Vietnam emerging as the fastest-growing whisky market in the world, and talk about a new generation of drinkers who are rewriting the old stereotypes about who enjoys whisky and why.

Whether you are new to cask investment or have been in the market for years, this episode is packed with practical insight and grounded optimism for the road ahead.

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 Cicerones in the world and author of How to Taste, breaks down how your nose, memory and emotions work together every time you raise a glass. From the comforting power of vanilla and early childhood flavour memories, to why your brain is still the best analyser in the room, this conversation is full of practical ways to sharpen your senses. 

Whether you are a whisky investor, collector or simply someone who enjoys a well made dram, Mandy shares simple techniques you can use on anything from your morning coffee to a special single cask. You will learn how to build your own flavour library, why suggestion and marketing can change what you think you taste, and how regular tasting practice can even benefit long term brain health.

Listen in if you want to:

• Understand why flavour is mostly smell
• Learn a single method that works for tasting whisky, wine, coffee and more
• Build confidence in your own palate instead of copying tasting notes
• Use better sensory skills to make more informed whisky choices

Subscribe to The Whisky Investment Podcast by VCL Vintners for more conversations at the intersection of whisky, flavour and finance.

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. Discover how Doghouse blends creativity, sustainability and a rebellious spirit to make one of London’s most distinctive whiskies.

Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast, cocktail lover or curious about innovative distilling in the UK, this episode offers a rare inside look at a truly unique urban distillery.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
• How Doghouse became London’s first bourbon style whisky distillery
• Why grain to bottle matters in craft distilling
• The journey from moonshine to mature whisky
• How art led branding sets Doghouse apart
• The role of British farming in their whisky production

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 Agreement. The focus is on how it impacts Scotch whisky exports and what that means for investors in the space.

From Brussels to Whitehall: Meet Alex Boyd

Alex Boyd has spent over 15 years shaping trade policy, working in both the European Union and the UK government. He has advised trade secretaries, foreign secretaries and senior ministers through Brexit and beyond, and now works with Strand Partners to help clients navigate global trade and investment policy.
His expertise places him in a unique position to interpret the true significance of the India UK trade deal, particularly for the premium drinks sector.

A 20-Year Journey to Agreement

The India UK deal is the product of nearly two decades of negotiation. Initially pursued through the EU in 2006, talks stalled and were abandoned in 2013. Post-Brexit, the UK restarted talks independently, identifying India as a high-priority partner due to its massive consumer base, rapid economic growth and high trade barriers.

India has long been considered a closed and protectionist market, especially in categories like spirits where local production dominates and regulation varies from state to state. Despite this, Scotch whisky has maintained strong brand appeal in India, owing to cultural legacy and aspirational branding.

Scotch, Tariffs and a Historic Breakthrough

Before this agreement, imported Scotch faced a 150 percent tariff in India. The new deal cuts that to 75 percent immediately, with a pathway to reduce it further to 40 percent over the next ten years.

Boyd explains that while zero tariffs were the industry’s ambition, 40 percent is still a landmark achievement. Given the complexity of negotiating with India and the political sensitivity around alcohol imports, the result is seen as a major success.

The Scotch Whisky Association called the deal “landmark” and expects exports to India to grow from £300 million today to between £500 million and £1 billion within five years.

From Colonial Legacy to Bollywood Aspirations

India has a long-standing relationship with whisky, beginning with British colonial rule and later reinforced through Bollywood’s portrayal of whisky-drinking characters. Over time, whisky evolved into an aspirational and celebratory drink, distinct from beer and other spirits.

Today, India is the world’s largest consumer of whisky by volume, yet it still ranks only fifth or sixth by value. That gap represents a major growth opportunity, particularly for premium and ultra-premium Scotch producers.

What It Means for the Industry and Investors

The impact of the deal will not be immediate, but Boyd believes the ripple effects will be far-reaching:

• Producers are expected to ramp up long-term supply to meet projected demand
• Farmers and maltsters may see benefits first through increased orders
• Exports to India could eventually rival those to the United States
• Investment opportunities in aged casks and premium bottlings are likely to grow

For whisky investors, particularly those looking at cask holdings or luxury-grade bottlings, this deal could unlock new markets and future valuation uplift.

Alwynne and Abhi explore how Copper Rivet stands apart through its rare grain-to-glass approach, local ingredient sourcing, and pioneering distillation techniques. From custom-built stills to a patented hybrid still system, Abhi explains how meticulous process control and a commitment to provenance underpin every drop of their spirit.

Listeners will gain insights into how the distillery’s unusual setup allows it to create multiple new make styles, offering a painter’s palette of flavours that evolve through fermentation, distillation, and maturation. Abhi also shares the inspiration behind their delicate single malt – a whisky shaped by science, heritage, and a passion for flavour-first distilling.

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the thoughtful design of a modern distillery rooted in tradition, and how Copper Rivet is redefining English whisky with clarity, craftsmanship, and character. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of craft whisky from one of the category’s most exciting players.

Vinay shares insights into the VCL investor portal, detailing how it empowers investors with real-time access to their portfolios, simplifying complex investment journeys. He discusses the groundbreaking integration of blockchain technology to digitise whisky inventory, ensuring traceability, security, and enhanced historical detail for every cask.

Listeners will also discover how VCL is pioneering advancements with digital deeds and the introduction of Proof 8, a revolutionary end-to-end cask management system designed to modernise whisky investment processes from production to investor management. Additionally, Vinay explains how artificial intelligence is being leveraged within VCL's CRM systems, optimising client relations and maximising investment opportunities.

This episode highlights VCL's commitment to blending tradition with technological innovation, making whisky investment accessible to a broader demographic, including younger investors seeking alternative investment options. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the exciting future of whisky investment technology and learn how VCL Vintners is setting new industry standards.

Will shares his journey at Hinch, where he oversees everything from sourcing Irish barley to managing their innovative grain-to-glass production process. He explains how the distillery is working with local farmers to grow all their barley within County Down, and how their ultra-modern distillery combines efficiency with the time-honored traditions of whiskey making.

One of the most exciting topics covered is Hinch’s production of peated Irish whiskey, a rarity in the Irish whiskey scene. Will reveals how they’ve embraced both double and triple distillation to craft two unique styles of peated whiskey, targeting both seasoned whiskey enthusiasts and newcomers to the category. The episode also touches on Hinch’s commitment to sustainability, particularly through their use of refill barrels and the exploration of various cask types, including bourbon, sherry, and even French oak from their owner's Bordeaux vineyard.

Listeners will also learn about the upcoming release of Hinch’s heavily peated single malt, marking a significant milestone as the distillery transitions from sourced stock to its own aged whiskey. Will shares how Hinch’s whiskey has already gained international recognition, including winning World's Best Irish Blended Whiskey, and gives us a sneak peek into what’s next for the distillery, including their innovative use of the Proofworks system for advanced cask management.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the rising wave of Irish whiskey, from connoisseurs to investors looking to understand the future of the industry. Join us for this fascinating conversation about the art and science of crafting whiskey at one of Ireland’s most exciting new distilleries.

🎵 Watch the video version of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aj_J5PA1tQw