Spelling depends on the spirit’s country of origin; American-produced varieties such as bourbon and rye, as well as the Irish spirit, use the “whiskey” spelling, whereas the spirit from Scotland, Canada, and Japan use “whisky” spelling. The difference also carries on into the plural. For ‘whiskey’, the plural is ‘whiskeys’. For ‘whisky’, it’s ‘whiskies’.

We are always on the hunt for the highest quality whiskey distillate. We currently source a majority of it from MGP in Indiana, which is renowned for it’s consistent quality. We also source from Kentucky distillers and others, depending on availability and client demand.

First Cut clients have the opportunity to customize ever detail of their barrel of whiskey, from barreling to bottling. At the bottling stage, clients can choose what proof to bottle at (we prefer barrel strength). All whiskey is non chill filtered before bottling to maintain the unique complexities provided by the fatty acids and lipids.

We work with some of the top cooperages in the world to source only the finest, aged oak staves for our barrels. Each barrel is hand selected for quality.

Don’t worry! Most people don’t. Our world-renowned master distiller and blender is here to help you every step of the way.

Every First Cut barrel of whiskey is fully customized to the client’s desired specifications, as well as aged to perfection, in our state-of-the-art rickhouse in Stamford, CT.

Our facility includes an exclusive lounge where First Cut clients can relax and unwind with pours of their own unique whiskey, or even lavish cocktails created by an experienced mixologist.

Yes! Included with every barrel purchase is a 100ml testing sample drawn from your barrel every three months.

Come on in to see how your barrel is doing! You can have a pour neat, or have one of our expert mixologists fix you an exclusive cocktail using your own private whiskey!

The rickhouse and First Cut tasting lounge are open to clients by appointment only. The tasting lounge is so comfortably decorated, you may never want to leave!

Additional testing samples are available for $15 each.

No. As the de facto guardians of our clients’ barrels, our facilities are fully secure and private to ensure quality control.

Clients are permitted to brings guests by appointment only.

Want to taste your private barrel, but can’t make it in person? Not to worry! We can ship your samples to you!

As it ages, the taste profile of the whiskey evolves. A young whiskey may have a significant ethanol burn, while a very old whiskey may taste like a piece of wood. The goal is to hit the sweet spot in the middle. That is why First Cut has created a comfortable, inviting space for clients to keep coming back to taste their barrel as the whiskey evolves over time. By request, we can also send out samples periodically if the client can’t make it in-person.

Over the past ten years, prices for whiskey barrels have appreciated over 13% per year on average, depending on the distillery and age. In fact, it has outpaced nearly every other asset category.

If you don’t want to bottle your private barrel, but prefer to sell it, First Cut can legally serve as a barrel broker to facilitate the sale.

Yes!

In the United States all whiskey production falls under the three tier system whereby every distillery must receive a federal license before production can begin. Upon receiving the license the distillery must comply with strict laws governing distillation, storage, transportation and bottling of all spirits. Every barrel purchased by our clients must continue to be stored at our licensed facility while aging until bottling.

Yes!

Do you have a retail store, restaurant, or private groups and are interested in designing an exclusive barrel for you customers and members? We can help!

CLICK HERE and let us know what you’re looking for!

Looking for an exclusive barrel of whiskey, but don’t want to wait the years it takes to properly age? We can help!

CLICK HERE and let us know what you’re looking for!

Yes! CLICK HERE to contact us and let us know what you are looking for.