UK whisky company plunges into liquidation with over £500k of debts

A UK whisky company has plunged into liquidation after landing in thousands worth of debt.

The Scottish firm, Whisky Merchant Trading Limited, which operated brands including Cask 88 and Braeburn Whisky, entered into administration due financial difficulties.

Stephen Hunt, of Griffins, has been appointed as liquidator.

View 2 Images

The collapse left “thousands of global customers uncertain of their asset ownership” after the Edinburgh-based company had previously raised roughly £80 million in investment funds.

However, customers will not be let down as administrators confirmed that the business was rescued following the sale of key assets to Edinburgh Cask Management (Resolution) Limited.

Work is being carried out by the new owners to reunited investors with their casks.

Griffins said: “As part of this sale agreement, ECMR has committed to addressing the issues faced by customers who may have purchased casks from the companies but have not yet been located.

“They will replace these casks and offer trade-out options for better stock.

“Each offer will be tailored to the specific circumstances of individual customers, and ECMR will provide further details in due course.

“Additionally, ECMR has agreed to take over cask management where applicable and will work with warehouse operators to resolve outstanding warehouse fees.

“Warehousekeepers will enter into agreements to facilitate the transfer of casks to their rightful owners.”

The new owners are working to “resolve debts, transfer casks, and set up verified warehouse accounts for customers”.

Griffins added: “The company expanded rapidly gaining investors worldwide, however, the company was not able to keep up with the increasing costs and expenses.”

ECMR said: “Our focus throughout the month was on contacting all customers where casks are currently unaccounted for, ensuring every cask is properly reconciled and transferred to its rightful owner.”

Article continues below

Outstanding storage fees of £500,000 have already been cleared.