Terms of Service

1. Platform Role & Scope

Cask Empire operates as a marketplace and facilitation platform for the buying, selling, and management of privately owned whisky casks.

Cask Empire:

• Is not a broker, financial adviser, investment manager, or custodian
• Does not own or control whisky casks listed on the Platform
• Does not guarantee pricing, liquidity, or transaction completion

All transactions occur directly between buyers and sellers. Cask Empire provides infrastructure, documentation coordination, valuation insight, and settlement facilitation only.

2. Eligibility & User Accounts

You must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering binding contracts.

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining accurate account information
• Safeguarding login credentials
• All activity conducted through your account

Cask Empire may suspend or terminate accounts where information is false, misleading, incomplete, or non-compliant.

3. Listings & Ownership Representations

By submitting a cask for listing, sellers represent and warrant that:

• They are the legal and beneficial owner of the cask
• They hold valid ownership documentation, including a Delivery Order
• The warehouse recognises (or will recognise) ownership upon request
• The cask is free from undisclosed liens, charges, or third-party claims

Cask Empire reserves the right to:

• Request additional documentation
• Decline or remove listings
• Suspend listings pending verification

4. Valuations & Market Information

Any valuations, pricing bands, or market commentary provided:

• Are indicative only
• Reflect prevailing market conditions at the time
• Do not constitute financial or investment advice

Final pricing decisions rest solely with buyers and sellers. Cask Empire does not warrant that a cask will achieve any indicated value.

5. Transactions & Settlement Process

5.1 Transaction Formation

A transaction is formed only once:

• Buyer funds are received
• Seller acceptance is confirmed
• Required documentation is validated

5.2 Client Funds Handling

In certain transactions, Cask Empire may temporarily hold client funds on a pass-through basis to facilitate settlement.

Funds may be held pending:

• Confirmation of buyer payment
• Completion of ownership transfer documentation
• Warehouse acknowledgment or Delivery Order re-issuance

Funds are not used for operational purposes and are released promptly once settlement conditions are met.

5.3 Failed or Delayed Transactions

If a transaction fails due to documentation issues, misrepresentation, or third-party delays, funds may be:

• Returned to the buyer, or
• Released to the seller,

subject to the circumstances and contractual position.

Cask Empire is not responsible for delays caused by warehouses, bottlers, banks, or third parties.

6. Fees & Charges

Cask Empire may charge:

• Listing fees
• Exit or transaction fees
• Optional service fees (e.g. management, coordination, analysis)

All applicable fees will be disclosed prior to confirmation. Fees are typically deducted at settlement unless otherwise agreed.

Typical market exit values range from £5,000 to £500,000+ per cask, and fees reflect transaction complexity and value.

7. Storage, Bottling & Third-Party Services

Cask Empire does not operate warehouses or bottling facilities.

Where we coordinate:

• Storage placement
• Re-gauges, samples, or re-racks
• Chemical analysis
• Bottling introductions

All such services are provided by third parties, and contracts are formed directly between the user and the service provider.

8. Risk Acknowledgement

Users acknowledge that whisky casks are alternative assets involving material risk, including but not limited to:

• Illiquidity
• Market volatility
• Evaporation and leakage
• Storage damage
• Regulatory or tax changes
• Naming or bottling restrictions

You may lose some or all of the capital invested.

9. Compliance, AML & KYC

Cask Empire may conduct:

• Identity verification (KYC)
• Source-of-funds checks
• Transaction monitoring

We reserve the right to suspend or refuse service where compliance requirements are not satisfied. We cooperate with lawful requests from regulatory or enforcement authorities.

10. Intellectual Property

All content, branding, data structures, and platform materials are the property of Cask Empire or its licensors.

Users may not copy, reproduce, scrape, or commercially exploit Platform content without prior written consent.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Cask Empire shall not be liable for indirect, consequential, or economic losses
• Total liability is capped at fees paid by the user in the preceding 12 months

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for fraud or statutory rights that cannot be limited.

12. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Cask Empire from any claims arising from:

• Misrepresentation of ownership
• Breach of these Terms
• Violation of applicable law
• Disputes with counterparties or third parties

13. Suspension & Termination

Cask Empire may suspend or terminate access where:

• Information is misleading or false
• Legal or compliance risks arise
• Platform integrity is threatened

Termination does not affect accrued rights or obligations.

14. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of United Kingdom.

Courts of United Kingdom shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

15. Contact

For legal or contractual enquiries:

Email: legal@caskempire.com