CPPC Gold Cup 2026 semi-finals programme

ST. REGIS BRITISH OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE

COWDRAY GOLD CUP SEMI FINALS

WEDNESDAY 15TH JULY 2026

WELCOME Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my great honour and privilege to welcome you all to the 2026 St. Regis British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup, held here at the prestigious Cowdray Park. I am thrilled to see so many familiar faces as well as new enthusiasts who have come to witness the pinnacle of British polo.

This event is not only a celebration of the spor t but also a testament to the rich heritage and tradition that Cowdray Park has upheld for generations. Our grounds have seen some of the most exhilarating moments in polo history, and this year promises to be no exception.

The dedication, skill, and spor tsmanship of the teams competing this year are truly remarkable, and I am confident that we are in for a series of thrilling matches.

To our players, I extend my deepest admiration for your hard work, passion, and the spirit of competition you bring to the field.

Your talent and determination are the hear t of this event, and we are here to celebrate each of you.

To our spectators, whether you are joining us for the first time or have been part of our community for many years, thank you for your enthusiasm and suppor t. Your presence adds a vibrant energy to this event, and it is your passion for the sport that makes the St. Regis

British Open Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup such a special occasion.

Welcome to the Cowdray Gold Cup 2026. Let the games begin!

Warm regards,

Michael Cowdray

TIMINGS

09:30

Gates open

12:00

Match 1 - The Ellerston Cup

12:45

Half time competitions

13:30

Ellerston Cup prize giving

16:00

Match 2 - The Tramontana Cup

16:45

Half time competitions

17:30

Tramontana Cup prize giving

19:30

Last orders

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Adjacent to the lounge, Whisky 1901 will showcase its awardwinning Scotch whisky por tfolio, available for sampling and purchase.

Gusbourne returns for a third year, bringing their awardwinning English sparkling wines to the hear t of the action. Their stunning bar will once again be located at both the Semi-Final and Final, offering exceptional views across the site and the perfect setting to enjoy a glass while watching the polo.

They will also be dropping a half-time token, with the lucky finder receiving a magnum of Gusbourne to take home.

We are pleased to welcome Le Chameau as a par tner for 2026. Le Chameau will showcase their full collection in the retail village across both the semifinals and final and will also supply prizes for the British Ladies Open Final. Renowned for craftsmanship, heritage and timeless countryside style, we are proud to welcome them to the Cowdray Gold Cup.

PARTNER ACTIVATIONS:

We are delighted to welcome Saicho to Cowdray Park Polo Club this year. Their single origin sparkling teas offer a refined and sophisticated accompaniment to food, crafted with layered, intricate flavours. Perfectly complementing the Gold Cup celebrations, Saicho will be available across all bars on site, as well as within the hospitality enclosures, ensuring guests can enjoy a beautifully considered alcohol-free option throughout the event.

South Downs Water has joined us for the 2026 season as our Official Water Par tner. Known for its naturally filtered still and sparkling Natural Mineral Water, South Downs Water will hydrate players, members, staff, and guests at all events throughout the season. South Downs Water will also be supplying water at key events, including within our hospitality enclosures during the semi-finals and finals, helping to keep everyone refreshed throughout the season.

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T H E E L L E R S TO N C U P The Ellerston Cup is solid silver. The cup has two scroll handles with acanthus caps. It has a circular stemmed pedestal base mounted on to a shaped cut corner square wooden plinth surrounded by silver plates. These plates are engraved with past winners from 2007 to the present day.

The body of the cup is engraved with ‘The Ellerston Cup’. The Ellerston Cup was introduced in 2007, along with the Tramontana Cup, these cups are presented to the winners of the Gold Cup semi-finals.

HALLMARKED: SHEFFIELD 1923 MAKERS MARK: JAMES DEAKIN AND SONS

THE TRAMONTANA CUP The Tramontana Cup is solid silver. This cup is a large Victorian vase shaped trophy and has two reeded loop handles and a gilded inside, with a leaf decoration on the base of the bowl. It has a circular pedestal base which is mounted on a wooden plinth surrounded by a single silver band. This band is engraved with past winners from 2006 to the present day.

The body of the cup is engraved with ‘Cowdray Park Polo Club. The Tramontana Trophy.’ And has the Cowdray Park Polo Club crest engraved onto it.

HALLMARKED: LONDON 1893 MAKERS MARK: CHARLES STUART HARRIS

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T H E C H R I S TO P H E R H A N B U RY T RO P H Y The Christopher Hanbury Trophy is awarded to the Best Mounted English Player in the Gold Cup. Major Christopher Hanbury, sadly passed away on 10 May 2022, aged 78. His family have dedicated a cup in his name to the Gold Cup Semi Final.

In 2005 he was appointed chairman of the Hurlingham Polo Association, a position he held until 2008. He was one of the most significant figures in polo, internationally renowned

with friends and colleagues all over the world.

Major and Mrs Hanbury’s sons Charlie and George took on the reins of polo with the same enthusiasm and won the Gold Cup in 2018 for their all-English team.

The Hanbury Cup represents the lasting impact that Christopher dedicated and built in the polo world. He was much loved by all those who knew him, especially for his legendary sense of humour and his affable, caring demeanour. We thank the Hanbury family for providing this cup and working with Cowdray Park Polo Club to honour Christopher Hanbury at the Gold Cup.

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B E S T P L AY I N G P O N Y RU G S Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is British Horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of horses that have retired from racing.

RoR’s Vision is for all former racehorses to enjoy a good life. ‘A life wellloved is a life well lived’ and our Mission is to safeguard the wellbeing of all former racehorses by: » Setting and assuring retraining standards to suppor t their successful transition out of racing and provide training and education for their new owners to help develop lifetime par tnerships. » Creating an engaged and engaging RoR community. » Increasing the demand for former racehorses by promoting their versatility in a wide variety of equestrian activities and provide oppor tunities for par ticipation in competitions. » And on behalf of the racing industry, we will keep track of them and suppor t any former racehorse in need.

RoR annually stages over 40 separate competition series across 15 different disciplines, catering for all levels of ability, from grassroots to elite. For the 10,000 plus thoroughbreds currently registered with RoR, there is an abundance of oppor tunities to compete against one another in disciplines such as dressage and showing, as well as bespoke series and classes in another dozen activities. Consequently, there is now an increasing demand for former racehorses among the wider equestrian community.

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PLAYER AND PONY POLO HELMET HAS TO HAVE A THREEPOINT HARNESS FOR SAFETY

PLAITED TAIL STOPS PLAYERS' MALLETS’ & TACK FROM GETTING TANGLED

SADDLE

POLO MALLET DIFFERENT LENGTHS FOR DIFFERENT SIZED HORSES, USUALLY 52"/53"

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ROR STICKER LOOK OUT FOR THESE STICKERS... THEY IDENTIFY RETRAINED RACEHORSES.

BANDAGES WORN FOR PROTECTION & SUPPORT STUDS SCREWED INTO THE HORSES SHOES TO PREVENT THEM SLIPPING, A BIT LIKE FOOTBALL BOOTS

REINS & RUNNING REINS PLAYERS WILL USE TWO SETS OF REINS FOR CONTROL AND SAFETY

BRIDLE BIT BITS ARE USED TO HELP WITH CONTROL, USUALLY A GAG OR PELHAM

STANDING MARTINGALE COMPULSORY TOOL TO HELP HEAD STABILITY BREASTPLATE PREVENTS THE SADDLE SLIPPING KNEE PADS PROTECTS THE PLAYER'S KNEES WHEN RIDING OFF

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22-24.1.2027

St. Regis British Open Polo Championship The final eight of 19 teams compete for the jewel in the crown of British polo The St. Regis British Open Polo Championship

for the Cowdray Gold Cup is well underway and as we climb to the pinnacle of the tournament and the British summer polo calendar, we bring you the update on all eight of the teams that have made it through to the knockout stages of this prestigious and exciting tournament.

19 strong teams down to eight, 76 of the world’s best players down to 24, hundreds of top equine athletes, one more trophy. Who will take the jewel in the crown of British polo...?

Whatever the final results, there is no doubt that with this much talent and worldclass horsepower whizzing around our beautiful Cowdray Park fields, we are in for a treat as the tournament heads into the final stages.

Photograph by Mark Beaumont

for the Cowdray Gold Cup Teams

The 2026 High Goal Guide is kindly sponsored by

AKASHA

2026 English High Goal Guide

22-24.1.2027

Alexandre Garese Facundo Fernández Llorente Pablo Mac Donough Santiago Laborde

(0) (7) (9) (6)

Akasha arrived at The St. Regis British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup with a 2026 season that had shown steady improvement. The rebranded side, built around Alexandre Garese and Facundo Fernández Llorente, has been strengthened by the additions of Pablo Mac Donough and Santiago Laborde.

After a quieter start in The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy, Akasha found better form in The Cartier Queen’s Cup, reaching the Quarter Finals before losing to Dubai. They then underlined their potential by defeating Gaston Polo Team in the Cartier Trophy, the tournament’s Subsidiary Final.

With Mac Donough anchoring the side, Fernández Llorente and Laborde adding pace and fluency, and Garese providing stability, Akasha have shown they can trouble strong opposition.

BLACK BEARS

Guy Schwarzenbach Estanislao ‘Tani’ Darritchon Benjamín Panelo Tomás Panelo

(2) (3) (8) (9)

Black Bears returned to the UK high goal scene this year with a refreshed line-up and plenty of firepower. Having been missing from last year’s roster, the team are back with the Panelo brothers, Benjamín and Tomás, bringing proven chemistry and attacking threat after strong US seasons.

The organisation has a rich history in the UK, with past victories in The Warwickshire Cup, The Cartier Queen’s Cup and The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup. This year, Guy Schwarzenbach’s experience and Estanislao ‘Tani’ Darritchon’s underrated quality add structure around the Panelos’ high-impact style.

Black Bears have yet to break through this season, missing out on the second-round stages of both The Justerini & Brooks Prince of Wales Trophy and The Cartier Queen’s Cup, the latter after a four-way penalty shootout. However, with their pedigree and attacking potential, they remain capable of upsetting stronger organisations if the team structure clicks.

Photograph by Art of Polo

Pablo MacDonough anchors a strong Akasha side

The 2026 High Goal Guide is kindly sponsored by

2026 English High Goal Guide

DUBAI

Tariq Albwardy Bartolomé ‘Barto’ Castagnola Santos Merlos Antonio Heguy

(0) (9) (6) (7)

Dubai return to the Cowdray Gold Cup with a new line-up and familiar ambition. Tariq Albwardy takes the lead this year, stepping into the role previously held by his brother Rashid, and is joined by an experienced Argentine core with proven high-goal credentials.

Antonio Heguy, part of Dubai’s 2024 British Openwinning side, remains a key defensive presence, while Bartolomé Castagnola brings star power and existing chemistry with Tariq, having played together for Desert Palm and during the US season with DUS. Santos Merlos adds the front-running threat, having already shown his quality in Dubai’s Cartier Queen’s Cup Semi Final run, where they were narrowly beaten by eventual winners Balanz Capital. With balance, experience and winning pedigree, Dubai look well placed for another deep run as they aim to recapture the Gold Cup form that brought them success in 2024.

FERNE PARK

22-24.1.2027

Jonathan Rothermere Chris Mackenzie Joaquin Pittaluga Facundo Pieres

Ferne Park come into The St. Regis British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup with a reshaped side and improved 2026 form. After winning The Warwickshire Cup and reaching The Trippetts Challenge Final in 2024, the organisation struggled to make the same impact last season, failing to progress from the league stages of both The Cartier Queen’s Cup and the Gold Cup. This year’s changes have already shown promise, most notably in The Cartier Queen’s Cup, where Ferne Park reached the Quarter Finals before losing to eventual champions Balanz Capital. Facundo Pieres has added huge influence, particularly with his cool-headed penalty shooting, while Joaquin Pittaluga continues as a long-standing Ferne Park figure. Chris Mackenzie, a Gold Cup finalist last year with Kazak, brings further experience and strength.

With tactical discipline, continuity and attacking depth, Ferne Park could be one of the sides capable of surprising the bigger names.

(0) (6) (7) (9)

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22-24.1.2027

GASTON

Jean Paul Luksic Beltrán Laulhé David ‘Pelón’ Stirling Cruz Heguy

(0) (7) (8) (7)

Gaston Polo Team have been one of the nearly-there sides of the 2026 season so far, showing enough quality to suggest they are close to a major result. Jean Paul Luksic’s side reached the Final of The Trippetts Challenge, where they lost out to Balanz Capital, before continuing their strong run into The Cartier Queen’s Cup. There, they made the Quarter Finals and later pushed Akasha all the way in the Cartier Trophy, losing the Subsidiary Final by a golden goal.

David ‘Pelón’ Stirling has been out for much of this season with injury after a fall early on, but his replacements have done great work to fill his boots. Beltrán Laulhé continues to establish himself as a consistent high goal presence, while Cruz Heguy adds punch, continuity and understanding, having played alongside Luksic for the past two seasons.

With an aggressive rhythm and a South American-style line-up, Gaston look capable of turning near misses into something more.

LA DOLFINA/ MARQUÉS DE RISCAL

Alejandro Aznar Simón Prado Félix Esain Poroto Cambiaso

(0) (6) (6) (10)

La Dolfina/Marqués de Riscal have been one of the strongest and most exciting sides of the 2026 UK season.

Led by Poroto Cambiaso, they combine youth, speed, precision and the unmistakable La Dolfina horsepower.

Poroto arrives as one of the dominant players in world polo and gives the team immediate title credentials, but the improvement around him has been just as important. Simón Prado and Félix Esain have grown into their roles, visibly benefitting from playing alongside a true game-breaker. Prado brings increasing high-goal experience after stepping up from the medium goal, while Esain has added pace and accuracy.

The team came close to a Cartier Queen’s Cup Final, losing in an extra chukka to Aureus in the Semi Finals, but their run showed they are already cohesive and dangerous. Their run to the Quarter Finals was not smooth, but they got through on penalties and should not be underestimated now they have arrived.

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LA HECHICERA

Pablo Galante Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola Ned Hine Lorenzo Chavanne

(0) (10) (5) (7)

La Hechicera arrive at Cowdray as the form team of the 2026 season, having already completed a remarkable double under the Balanz Capital name by winning The Trippetts Challenge and The Cartier Queen’s Cup. With patron Claudio Porcel stepping out and Pablo Galante coming in, the team rebrands as La Hechicera, but the core firepower remains formidable. Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola is one of the most explosive players in the sport, capable of changing games almost single-handedly, while Lorenzo Chavanne has been outstanding, finishing as top scorer in The Cartier Queen’s Cup and arriving off major US success with Pilot. Ned Hine, a British Open winner in 2021, gives the side structure, balance and confidence after their double triumph.

This is a young, fast and fearless team with proven chemistry. If they carry their momentum into the final stages, they have every chance of completing a high-goal triple whammy.

SUJAN INDIAN TIGERS

22-24.1.2027

Jaisal Singh Marcos Araya Juano Britos Juan Martín Zubia

(0) (6) (8) (8)

An aggressive, attack-oriented lineup, Sujan Indian Tigers continue into 2026 with a familiar core, adding Marcos ‘Cacu’ Araya in place of Ollie Cudmore. Early on, the team struggled to turn potential into wins, but there is enough talent in the line-up for them to have disrupted more established sides in this tournament.

Juano Britos brings class, experience and the ability to influence big games, while Juan Martín Zubia arrives with strong recent form in Argentina and gives the team attacking quality. Araya adds pace and balance, and his inclusion slightly reshapes a side that already knows each other’s style of play.

Jaisal Singh’s team reached The Cartier Queen’s Cup Quarter Finals last year, so the question is whether another season of high goal exposure can help them progress further. They arrived at Cowdray with limited pressure, but that has made them a dangerous dark horse.

Photograph by Art of Polo

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Can La Hechicera continue their winning streak under their new name?

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THE E L L E R S TO N C U P LAWNS 1 | 12:00

DUBAI POLO TEAM 1

Tariq Albwardy

0

2

Santos Merlos

6

3

Antonio Heguy

7

BK

Bartolome Castagnola

9 22

V

FERNE PARK 1

Vere Harmsworth

0

2

Javier Guerrero

6

3

Joaquin Pittaluga

7

BK

Facundo Pieres

9 22

THE T R A M O N TA N A C U P LAWNS 1 | 16:00

GASTON POLO TEAM 1

Jean Paul Luksic

0

2

Beltran Laulhe

7

3

Gonzalo Ferrari

7

BK

Cruz Heguy

7 21

V

LA HECHICERA POLO TEAM 1

Pablo Galante

0

2

Ned Hine

5

3

Lorenzo Chavanne

8

BK

Camilo Castagnola

10 23

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SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP

Social membership at Cowdray Park Polo Club offers a relaxed and beautiful setting for all to enjoy the ‘Game of Kings’. As the home of British polo, Cowdray Park Polo Club prides itself on making polo accessible to all.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS » Free entry to all polo matches, including the Gold Cup semi-finals and final, for a member and guest (excluding junior membership) » Over 25 reciprocal spor ting events – full calendar to be launched pre-season » Access to the Clubhouse and Members’ enclosure at all matches » Complimentary diary, a commemorative badge and car pass » Invitations to all the Club’s social events and exclusive members events throughout the season » Regular e-newsletters with match repor ts, club updates and the seasons latest news » Preferential rate at the Clubhouse at Ambersham » A complimentary copy of the CPPC Yearbook Join us at cowdraypolo.co.uk/membership

COWDRAY GOLD CUP Official sparkling tea partner

C OW D R AY ’ S

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O P E N I N G 3 1 st J U L Y 2 0 2 6 10 Acre Maze Trail | Pick Your Own Flowers Children’s Play Area | Food & Refreshments Book your tickets & find out more on our website: www.cowdray.co.uk/events Tickets: £8.30 per person | 3’s and under go free

F O L L OW THE ACTION KEEP UP TO DATE » COWDRAY TV Purchase your tournament pass via our website to watch all the games in the St. Regis British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup 2026. » SOCIALS Instagram / Facebook / TikTok: @cowdraypolo LinkedIn: Cowdray Park Polo Club » WEBSITE Follow all the action leading up to the final stages of the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup on our website cowdraypolo.co.uk

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G U I D E TO P O L O

The object of Polo is for a team to score more goals than its opposition to win the game.

Each team of four is made up of attackers and defenders, but all members of a polo team are expected to be flexible and make any play whether offensive or defensive and change position as necessary to benefit the team.

PLAYERS HANDICAPS Each player is given a handicap from -2 to 10 goals depending on his ability.

The lowest handicap is -2 and 10 is the highest. A team’s handicap rating is calculated by adding together the 4 players’ handicaps. The handicap of teams entering the Cowdray Gold Cup is 20-22 goals.

THE TEAM A team is made up of 4 players with each numbered 1 to 4. Each position has a purpose; No.1 and No.2 are the forwards, No.3 is the pivot position (usually the best player in the team) and No.4 (or Back) is the goal defender.

DURATION OF PLAY Matches are divided into chukkas. In the UK, there are between 4 and 6 chukkas in a match, the number of which depends on the level of the polo (low goal – 4 chukkas, medium goal – 5 chukkas, high goal – 6 chukkas).

Each chukka lasts 7 minutes, with an interval of 3 minutes between each one. At half time, the interval is extended and spectators are invited onto the pitch to tread in the divots. The bell is rung at the end of each 7-minute period. Play continues until the ball goes out of play, the umpire stops play for a foul, or the bell is rung for a second time 30 seconds after the first bell. In the final chukka, the match ends after the first bell.

UMPIRES & MATCH OFFICIALS There are 2 mounted umpires on the pitch following the game and a third man (or referee) in the stands who acts as the arbitrator if the umpires cannot agree. There is a goal judge behind each goal and they will wave a flag when a goal is scored. The scorer and the timekeeper record the goals and track the timing and sound the bell at the end of each chukka.

CHANGING ENDS Polo is probably the only game in which the teams change ends when a goal is scored, thus equalling out any ground or weather advantage.

THE START Play star ts with the umpire throwing in the ball between the two teams lined up in front of him. In the same way play is restar ted after a goal is scored or if the ball goes out over the side boards. If the ball goes over the back line, there is a hit-in by the defending team. There is no offside in polo.

G U I D E TO P O L O C O N T I N U E D

RULES OF PLAY Right of Way – During play there is an imaginary “line of the ball”, which is generally the direction in which the ball is travelling at any one moment.

When a player has established the right of way along that line, it may not be crossed by an opposing player if there is the slightest risk of collision.

Crossing – Any player who crosses the player holding the right of way close enough to be dangerous or cause a player to slow up, commits a foul.

Riding Off – pushing another player and his horse out of the way using your horse is permitted, whether the other man is playing the ball or not. But it must not be done by charging in at a dangerous angle, nor must the man in possession of the ball be crossed.

Hooking sticks – A player may hook an opponent’s stick provided he is on the same side of the opponent as the ball, or directly behind him, and provided the stick is below the level of the opponent’s shoulder. Players must not attempt to hook an opponent in front of the pony’s legs.

PENALTIES Different types of penalties are awarded depending of the nature of the foul: • • • • • •

Penalty No 1 – Automatic goal Penalty No 2 – 30 yd hit to an open goal Penalty No 3 – 40 yd hit to an open goal Penalty No 4 – 60 yd hit to a defended goal Penalty No 5 – A hit from the spot where the foul was committed Penalty No 5B – A hit from the centre of the ground. This is used when the defending team are attacking from their own half.

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H E A LT H & S A F E T Y We very much hope that you will enjoy your day at Cowdray Park Polo Club, where accidents are very rare BUT polo is a dangerous spor t.

Neither CPPC nor the Cowdray Estate can accept any responsibility for injuries to persons or proper ty on this ground. The following safety rules must be observed: »

Please ensure that you watch the movement of the ball during play at all times and keep yourselves, friends, family and dogs out of the safety zone area.

» Please ensure you supervise your children who will not be as diligent as you. » Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. » All guest access to the pony lines, lorry parking areas and agricultural machinery is strictly forbidden. » Alcohol may be consumed only by those aged eighteen or over.

We operate a ‘Challenge 25’ policy in all bars. » No private barbecues allowed. » No E-wheels allowed. » Vehicles are admitted on condition that Cowdray Park Polo Club shall not be liable for damage to any vehicle. Anything in or on or about any vehicle howsoever such a loss or damage may be caused. » Please report any suspicious packages to a member of staff Cowdray Park Polo Club has a duty of care to all Gold Cup attendees and wishes everyone an enjoyable time. Anyone judged to be putting themselves or others at risk may be asked to leave the grounds by officials of the club.

The Modern Standard for Whisky Investment Combining bonded infrastructure, provenance and operational oversight into a more transparent, institutional approach to whisky investment.

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1901 Group is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We do not provide financial or investment advice. Whisky casks are tangible assets and may not be suitable for all purchasers. Capital is at risk and returns are not guaranteed. Please read our Risk Warning & Important Information on our website before making any purchase decision.

The Finest Whisky from Every Corner of Scotland Discover our award winning bottles within The Collection and The Ledger Series at www.whisky1901.com Drink responsibly.

UNWIND AMONGST THE VINES THIS SUMMER Visit us in Appledore, Kent