About The 1901 Group
A London-based firm combining financial expertise with deep sector knowledge of Scotch whisky investment. Founded on industry experience and a long-standing connection to Scotch whisky.
Our Heritage
Founded on industry experience and a long-standing connection to Scotch whisky
The 1901 Group was established to provide a more structured and transparent approach to Scotch whisky cask ownership.
The firm’s origins reflect a combination of financial experience and deep familiarity with the whisky industry. Having spent many years working within the cask market, the founding team developed a detailed understanding of how whisky moves from distillation through maturation, ownership and eventual realisation.
During this time it became clear that greater clarity around custody, ownership and acquisition practices would benefit investors entering the market. The 1901 Group was therefore established with the objective of applying a disciplined framework to the acquisition and oversight of casks held within regulated bonded storage.
The firm takes its name from a personal reference within the founder’s own whisky journey. The number 1901 relates to a particular cask of GlenDronach first shared with his father, an early introduction to the character and heritage of Scotch whisky. The reference remains a quiet acknowledgement of the role that family, experience and long-standing relationships continue to play within the industry.
Today the business operates from London, working with private investors in the UK and internationally while maintaining close relationships with distilleries, brokers and bonded warehouse operators across Scotland.
Our Credentials
Governance, licensing and professional oversight
The 1901 Group operates within a defined governance and compliance framework supporting the acquisition and custody of bonded Scotch whisky casks.
The firm holds the relevant licensing required to buy, sell and manage goods within bonded warehouse environments and works with established legal and professional partners to support ownership transfer and documentation.
The business also maintains appropriate data protection registration and operates within recognised industry certification standards.
Together these structures ensure that acquisitions, custody and documentation are conducted within a clearly defined regulatory and operational framework.
Warehousekeepers and Owners of Warehoused Goods Regulations (WOWGR) licence
Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) data protection registration
WSET and Edinburgh Whisky Academy certified consultants
Legal oversight for ownership transfer documentation
Established relationships with bonded warehouse operators
Operational Infrastructure
Connected operational oversight across the whisky lifecycle
The 1901 Group’s operational ecosystem connects bonded facilities, governance workflows, custody infrastructure, and client visibility through a unified orchestration layer.
Structured operational controls, reconciliation processes, and audit visibility are maintained throughout the ownership lifecycle.
Our Team
Experience across whisky, finance and operational management
The 1901 Group brings together professionals with backgrounds in whisky cask acquisition, financial markets, accounting, distribution and operational management.
Many members of the team hold recognised industry certifications, including qualifications from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and the Edinburgh Whisky Academy.
Employee Canvas Trigger
Aaron Sparkes
Founder & CEO
Ryan Fazackerley
Partner
Harry Bradley
Head of Distribution
Michael Sparkes
Sales Director
Matt Chambers
Master of Whisky
James Field
Head of Trade & Brand Partnerships
Victoria Crawford
Financial Controller
Tilly Jardine-Brown
PA to CEO & Office Manager
Katharine Tarbox
Team Assistant
Cameron Sword
Junior Portfolio Manager
Allegra Berry
Junior Portfolio Manager
Our Clients
Working with individual and institutional investors internationally
The 1901 Group works with a range of investors seeking structured ownership of bonded Scotch whisky casks as part of broader asset allocation strategies.
Clients include private individuals, family offices and institutional investors across the United Kingdom, Europe, North America and Asia, with a growing presence in Africa and Australia. These clients share an interest in tangible assets and the Scotch whisky market.
The business maintains a deliberately focused client base, allowing for direct engagement with investors throughout acquisition, custody and eventual realisation.
View Client Profiles
Community Impact
Responsibility & Long Term Perspective
Capital stewardship extends beyond financial performance. The firm believes that long-term asset ownership should also contribute positively to the communities and industries in which it operates.
Since its establishment, the organisation has supported a number of charitable initiatives through industry events, client gatherings and fundraising activities connected to the whisky sector.
These initiatives reflect a broader commitment to responsible participation in the communities surrounding the industry.
Relationships & Partnerships
A commitment to excellence
Alongside its charitable initiatives, the firm maintains a small number of associations within international sport. These affiliations reflect values closely aligned with long-term investment: discipline, performance and consistency over time.
Through these relationships, the firm supports individuals and organisations competing at the highest level within their respective fields.
Ewen Ferguson
DP World Tour Professional Golfer
Scottish professional golfer and three-time DP World Tour winner. Through a multi-year sponsorship, Ewen represents the firm while competing across the DP World Tour and major championship events.
Pino-X
International Showjumping Horse
Pino X competes on the CSI Young Horse circuit and has recorded podium finishes in the CSI YH 7-Year-Old classes in Arezzo and Chard. The firm supports the horse through an ongoing sponsorship within international equestrian sport.
Cowdray Gold Cup
British Open Polo Championship
The Cowdray Gold Cup is the premier high-goal polo tournament in Europe, contested at the 22-goal level. Held annually at Cowdray Park in the South Downs National Park, the championship attracts leading international players and teams.
Join The 1901 Group
For detailed information on acquisition structure, custody arrangements, risk considerations and realisation pathways, request The 1901 Group Investment Guide.
Aaron Sparkes
Founder & CEO
Aaron has built a career in whisky and wine investment over many years. In that time he has developed detailed knowledge of the workings of the industry and a valuable portfolio of high-level contacts with leading distillers.
Aaron was driven to strike out on his own by a growing dissatisfaction with the real value of some of the casks he was being required to sell as an employee. He created 1901 Group so he could have complete autonomy over his product offerings.
Aaron is fully certified by WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) and Edinburgh Whisky Academy in Scotch Whisky.
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