These Terms & Conditions apply to the Build a Firkin programme operated by The Copeland Distillery (“Copeland”, “we”, “us”, “our”). By purchasing a firkin cask, you (“the Customer”) agree to be bound by the following terms.

1. The Build a Firkin Programme

1.1 The Build a Firkin programme allows customers to purchase a 50-litre whiskey cask (“Firkin”) and select:

• One cask type: Bourbon, Sherry, Red Wine, Ruby Port, or Tawny Port
• One spirit style: Double Distilled Single Malt, Chocolate Malt, Pot Still, Peated Malt, or Rye Malt

2. Contact & Filling Timelines

2.1 Copeland will contact the Customer within 5 business days of purchase to advise on anticipated filling timelines.

2.2 Filling timelines are indicative only and depend on several factors, including but not limited to:

• Lead times for sourcing fresh casks from suppliers (typically 4–12 weeks)
• Production schedules within the distillery
• Variability in spirit production, including which spirit styles are being produced at the time

2.3 Copeland will aim to fill firkins as soon as supply and operations allow, however, specific fill dates cannot be guaranteed.

3. Storage & Bonded Warehouse

3.1 Once filled, firkins will be stored under UK excise bond at Copeland’s Newtownards Bonded Warehouse.

3.2 Casks must remain in bonded storage unless removed in full compliance with HMRC regulations and payment of all applicable duties and taxes.

4. Ownership & Certification

4.1 A Certificate of Ownership will be issued to the Customer once the firkin has been filled.

4.2 Ownership relates to the spirit contents of the cask. Physical custody of the cask remains with Copeland while stored under bond. Post maturation and bottling, the empty cask will be available to the owner.

5. Insurance, Risk & Angels’ Share

5.1 Firkin casks are insured by Copeland against theft and physical loss or damage while stored at the bonded warehouse.

5.2 Customers acknowledge that evaporation loss (“the angels’ share”) is a natural part of whiskey maturation and is not insured.

5.3 Copeland accepts no liability for loss of volume due to evaporation over time. All final volumes are predicted and not absolute.

6. Sampling

6.1 Customers may request samples after a minimum of 12 months’ maturation.

6.2 Samples are available at a cost of £25.00 per sample, inclusive of handling, duty, and administration.

6.3 Sample size, frequency, and availability are subject to regulatory and operational constraints.

7. Maturation, Bottling & Future Services

7.1 No minimum or maximum maturation period is guaranteed.

7.2 Bottling, finishing, or cask transfers are not included and may be offered subject to:

• Availability
• Additional costs
• Compliance with HMRC regulations

7.3 Duty, VAT, bottling, labelling, and delivery costs are payable separately prior to bottling operations.

7.4 Duty rates are dictated by HMRC and will be payable based on the duty rate at the time of stock being removed from bond. (Not disgorging/bottling). Duty can increase or decrease at any stage.

8. Pricing & Payment

8.1 All prices are displayed in GBP (£) and include UK VAT unless otherwise stated.

8.2 Full payment is required at the time of purchase.

9. Cancellations & Refunds

9.1 Due to the bespoke nature of the Build a Firkin programme:

• Orders cannot be cancelled once a cask has been sourced or filled
• No refunds will be issued once filling has taken place, except where required by law

10. Limitation of Liability

10.1 Copeland shall not be liable for:

• Delays caused by supplier lead times or production scheduling
• Natural evaporation loss
• Changes in law, regulation, or excise duty

10.2 Copeland’s total liability shall not exceed the original purchase price paid by the Customer.

11. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Northern Ireland, and the courts of Northern Ireland shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

General Sales Terms & Conditions (UK)

1. Legal Drinking Age

You must be 18 years or over to purchase alcohol. By placing an order, you confirm that you meet this requirement.

2. Product Availability

All products are subject to availability. Copeland reserves the right to withdraw or amend products without prior notice.

3. Delivery

Delivery times are estimates only. Risk passes to the customer upon delivery of goods.

4. Intellectual Property

All trademarks, imagery, branding, and content remain the intellectual property of Copeland Distillery and may not be reproduced without permission.