SmartCask marks a new era of transparency for the Scotch whisky sector

In response to growing demands for trust, transparency and verified ownership in the Scotch whisky market, CCL Label has announced the development of SmartCask (by Checkpoint), an advanced digital identification and data platform designed to bring secure, long term traceability to whisky cask management.

Recent revelations from BBC’s Disclosure: Hunting the Whisky Bandits have sent shockwaves through the spirits industry. The investigation exposed widespread fraud in whisky cask investment schemes, including false claims and, in some cases, entirely fictitious casks. The findings have intensified calls across the sector for stronger oversight, digital traceability and verifiable ownership records,’ said Alex Mulvenny, managing director, wines and spirits Europe.

‘CCL Label is committed to advancing technologies that protect product integrity and provenance. SmartCask represents the next step in secure, data driven cask management.’

SmartCask integrates long life data chips directly onto individual casks, creating a unique digital identity engineered to endure for decades. Under standard storage conditions, the technology is designed to last up to 30 years, with lifespans of up to 50 years when stored within a temperature range of –20°C to +40°C.

Each chip functions as a permanent digital passport, securely storing verifiable information relating to:

• Cask origin and filling details.

• Liquid contents.

• Ownership records.

• Movement history across warehouses and supply chain partners.

By combining durable hardware with advanced software and structured data management, SmartCask provides distilleries, bonded warehouses and brand owners with scalable oversight of their cask inventories. From filling and maturation through to bottling or transfer of ownership, every stage can be authenticated and audited with confidence.

More than 22 million whisky casks are currently held in storage across Scotland, many relying on manual records or fragmented digital systems. Limited traceability and inconsistent oversight have created vulnerabilities that the industry can no longer afford to ignore.

SmartCask is designed to support the sector’s accelerating shift toward secure digital traceability, aligning with emerging digital passport frameworks and strengthening ownership verification processes. By creating tamper resistant, long term digital identities for individual casks, the platform provides a practical foundation for restoring confidence in the global whisky investment market.

Engineered specifically for the demanding maturation environment of Scotch whisky, SmartCask maintains data integrity across the full lifecycle of a cask. The solution enables producers to transition from paper based documentation and siloed databases to a secure, interoperable and future ready system.

For packaging and food and beverage stakeholders, SmartCask represents a significant step forward in connected packaging innovation – extending smart labelling and digital authentication technologies upstream into bulk asset management.

CCL Label will engage with industry bodies, including the Scotch Whisky Association, alongside leading distillers and warehouse operators to explore how SmartCask can help establish stronger standards for transparency and security.

The objective is clear: to safeguard one of Scotland’s most valuable exports and protect the integrity that defines the category.