Vintage Acquisitions, one of the UK’s leading whisky cask specialists, is urging investors to consider increasing their exposure to tangible assets such as maturing Scotch whisky casks ahead of the UK’s Autumn Budget on 26 November 2025.
As inflation remains high at 3.8% and public finances are under strain, Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces mounting pressure to raise revenue. Analysts predict a mix of frozen tax thresholds, reduced pension and ISA reliefs, and targeted property or wealth taxes.
“Traditional tax shelters are under threat,” says Robert Long, Director of Vintage Acquisitions. “Investors are re-evaluating their portfolios as the Autumn Budget approaches. Whisky casks have proven to be one of the few physical assets that not only preserve but also increase in value, regardless of government policy.”
Established in 2011, Vintage Acquisitions manages thousands of casks across Scotland, offering secure storage under HMRC-approved bond and complete client ownership documentation.
In the past decade, rare whisky bottle values have risen by 322% (Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index, 2023) and global demand continues to soar, with Scotch exports reaching £5.4 billion in 2024.
“As governments look to close fiscal gaps, tangible assets offer investors protection from paper-based volatility and future tax drag,” Long adds. “Whisky is a time-based asset that matures quietly, appreciating while the rest of the world reacts.”
Vintage Acquisitions is currently working with clients who are reviewing and expanding their holdings in preparation for the Autumn Budget.
For press enquiries or interviews, please contact:
Media Relations – Vintage Acquisitions
email: david@vintageacquisitions.com
www.vintageacquisitions.com
References:
– BDO LLP (2025) Autumn Budget 2025 predictions. Available at: https://www.bdo.co.uk/en-gb/microsites/budget-autumn-budget-2025/predictions (Accessed: 27 October 2025).
– CIPP (The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) (2025) Inflation stays at 3.8 per cent. Available at: https://www.cipp.org.uk/resources/news/inflation-stays-at-3-8-22-oct.html (Accessed: 27 October 2025).
– Fidelity International (2025) What can we expect in the Autumn Budget? Available at: https://www.fidelity.co.uk/markets-insights/personal-finance/personal-finance/what-can-we-expect-in-the-autumn-budget/ (Accessed: 27 October 2025).
– House of Commons Library (2025) Fiscal drag: An explainer. CBP 9687. Available at: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9687/ (Accessed: 27 October 2025).
– Institute for Government (2025) How Rachel Reeves can approach tax reform to drive growth. Available at: https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/rachel-reeves-approach-tax-reform-drive-growth (Accessed: 27 October 2025).
– The Guardian (2025) UK inflation unchanged as Reeves prepares for budget. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/oct/22/uk-inflation-unchanged-rachel-reeves-budget (Accessed: 27 October 2025).
– The Guardian (2025) Raise £12 billion in budget by extending income tax thresholds freeze, says think tank. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/oct/25/raise-12bn-in-budget-by-extending-income-tax-thresholds-freeze-says-thinktank (Accessed: 27 October 2025).
– The Spirits Business (2025) Scotch sees export value decline in 2024. Available at: https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/02/scotch-sees-export-value-decline-in-2024/ (Accessed: 27 October 2025).
– Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) (2025) Scotch Whisky industry records £5.4 billion global exports in 2024. Available at: https://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/newsroom/2024-export-figures/ (Accessed: 27 October 2025).
– Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) (2025) Industry Insights – Facts and Figures. Available at: https://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/industry-insights/facts-figures/ (Accessed: 27 October 2025).