Market jitters surrounding cask whiskey investments are real.

But, amidst growing unease in the cask investment market, Cork-based startup LYQD is stepping in with a clear solution; a transparent trading platform for Irish whiskey casks and bulk whiskey.

Founded by local publican Ernest Cantillon and seasoned entrepreneur James Jardella, the company has raised €1.2 million in pre-seed funding, supported by Enterprise Ireland’s HPSU programme, to launch a secure and transparent trading platform for Irish whiskey casks and bulk whiskey later this year.

The timing of the raise is significant.

With the potential reintroduction of US tariffs on European alcohol under a second Trump administration, Irish distilleries face renewed uncertainty around exports. In response, many are exploring new ways to reach consumers and maintain production levels despite softening demand in traditional markets like the US.

For investors, this could present attractive opportunities to enter the whiskey market at favourable valuations.

At the same time, a recent BBC Disclosure into the mis-selling of Scotch whiskey casks has put a spotlight on the need for greater transparency in alternative asset trading. While no similar issues have been reported in the Irish market, LYQD’s platform aims to set a new standard—allowing only authenticated casks to be listed, ensuring safer and more reliable transactions.

“This funding milestone enables us to bring a much-needed solution to the market,” said Jardella, CEO of LYQD.

“Irish whiskey has seen strong growth over the past decade, but the traditional cask and bulk whiskey market remains fragmented and complex. LYQD will make transactions smoother, safer, and more accessible for all stakeholders.”

With pre-orders opening soon, distilleries, investors, and collectors can sign up for early access to list or purchase casks at lyqd.io.