If you are looking to secure a loan against whisky, Edinburgh Asset Finance (EAF) offers one of the most specialist and discreet services in the UK. We provide fast, accurate and highly competitive lending against single rare bottles and full whisky collections, including bottles valued well into six figures.

Unlike general pawnbrokers or online lenders, we are genuine whisky specialists with years of experience valuing, handling and lending against high-value whisky assets. Our long-standing relationships with major whisky auction houses and online whisky trading platforms allow us to offer precise, trade-realistic valuations and strong loan-to-value ratios, typically 60–70% LTV, with minimum loans of £1,000.

We lend only against bottles (not casks), because we must take physical possession of the collateral for the duration of the loan. Whether you own rare Japanese whisky, Macallan collectables, limited distillery releases, independent bottlings, discontinued lines or full private collections, we offer a premium, confidential and industry-leading whisky lending service.

What Types of Whisky Do We Lend Against?

We commonly lend against:

  • Rare single malts
  • Limited edition distillery releases
  • First editions
  • Signed bottles or collector’s editions
  • High-value Japanese whisky
  • Silent distillery bottles
  • Anniversary or commemorative releases
  • Macallan collectables
  • Full curated collections

If the bottle has strong provenance, original packaging or an established auction record, we can usually lend against it.

Why Choose Us for a Loan Against Whisky?

True Industry Expertise in Rare & Collectable Bottles

Whisky is one of the most complex and specialist asset classes to value accurately. Our experience includes lending against:

  • Ultra-rare single malts and distillery exclusives
  • Japanese whisky including Karuizawa, Yamazaki and Hibiki
  • Independent bottlings from Gordon & MacPhail, SMWS and Signatory
  • Full private collections, from 10 bottles to several hundred
  • High-value individual bottles valued at £50,000–£100,000+

Because we work with whisky daily, we understand market pricing, liquidity, desirability and auction trends—ensuring our clients receive accurate valuations and premium loan offers.

We Lend Against Whisky Bottles — Not Casks

Many lenders claim to offer loans against whisky casks, but because we must take possession of the asset, we only lend against bottles. This approach has several advantages:

  • Bottles are easier to store securely
  • Bottles have clearer market comparables
  • Auction data is more transparent and frequent
  • Liquidity is significantly higher
  • The asset is fully within our control for the duration of the loan

If you have valuable bottles or a full collection, we can provide fast, secure funding without the complexity of bonded-warehouse verification or cask-transfer delays.

Fast, Fair & Market-Realistic Valuations

Because we work directly with whisky auction houses and online trading platforms, our valuations reflect true realisable trade value, not inflated “collector estimates” or misleading retail prices.

This ensures:

  • Higher accuracy
  • Faster decisions
  • Competitive loan offers
  • Full transparency throughout

Clients regularly receive valuations and loan offers within the same day, with funds released as soon as we take possession of the bottles.

Large Collections Welcome

We regularly lend against collections valued anywhere from £10,000 to several hundred thousand pounds. Whether your bottles are:

  • Stored neatly in original packaging
  • Displayed as part of a private bar
  • Held in a safe, cabinet or vault
  • Still sealed in delivery boxes

— we can provide a professional, confidential and tailored lending solution.

We can even work with your existing inventory lists, auction appraisals or historic valuations to speed up the process.

Secure Storage in Our Own Facility

A key advantage of working with EAF is that we own our own secure storage facility, rather than relying on third-party providers.

During the loan term, your whisky bottles are:

  • Held in a fully insured, climate-controlled environment
  • Protected with CCTV and monitored security
  • Stored with extreme care, avoiding light and temperature fluctuations
  • Individually inventoried and documented

Your bottles remain safely stored until you choose to redeem the loan.

How Our Loan Against Whisky Works

Our process is designed to be simple, discreet and exceptionally fast.

1. Initial Enquiry & Valuation

Send us photographs, details and any documentation relating to your bottles or collection. We carry out an expert assessment using market data, trade contacts and auction information.

2. Immediate Loan Offer

Once a valuation is agreed, we confirm the loan amount—typically 60–70% of market value.

3. Deliver or Drop Off Your Whisky

You can:

  • Meet us at our Edinburgh Office
  • Drop the bottles off directly at our facility
  • Arrange for us to collect them from you
  • Have the bottles transported by specialist carriers

Once we take possession, funds are released instantly.

4. Secure Storage During the Loan

Your whisky is held securely for the duration of the loan, fully insured and professionally stored.

5. Redeem Your Loan & Collect Your Bottles

Repay the loan plus interest, and your whisky is immediately available for collection.

Loans for Whisky Collectors & Investors

Many clients use whisky-backed loans to:

  • Fund investment opportunities
  • Cover short-term business or personal cash flow
  • Avoid selling key bottles
  • Build or expand their collection
  • Take advantage of market timing or private opportunities

Because our service is discreet and requires no credit checks, whisky loans are a powerful tool for collectors and investors seeking flexible liquidity.

Get a Fast, Confidential Loan Against Whisky Today

Whether you own a single rare bottle or a substantial private collection, Edinburgh Asset Finance offers the most specialist whisky-backed lending service in the UK. To discuss your bottles, request a valuation or begin the process, contact us today for discreet, expert guidance and immediate support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I borrow against both bottles and casks?

We only lend against bottles, not casks. This is because we must take physical possession of the asset for the duration of the loan.

How is the value of whisky assets determined?

Values are based on: Recent auction results. Rarity, age, and distillery reputation. Packaging and condition. Special editions, discontinued ranges and scarcity. Strength of provenance and supporting documentation. Our real-world auction access allows for highly accurate valuations.

Do items need to be stored in a bonded warehouse?

No. Because we only lend against bottles, bonded storage is not required. All whisky is held in our own secure, climate-controlled facility during the loan term.

What documentation increases value?

While not essential, the following can enhance value: Original boxes, tubes or presentation cases. Purchase receipts. Distillery or retailer authentication. Auction appraisals. Certificates of authenticity (where relevant). Proper provenance always improves valuation accuracy.

Are rare or limited-edition bottles treated differently?

Yes. Rare, discontinued or highly sought-after bottles are valued using specialist trade contacts and current auction demand. They often command higher loan values and stronger LTV ratios due to their liquidity and collector desirability.

Contact Edinburgh Asset Finance today to arrange your private appointment.