Whisky investment advisor Charles Beamish on lessons distilled from single malt, finding time for family with a global business and his Tissot Bridgeport Powermatic 80
- The Beamish International founder is a proud member of the ‘5am Club’ with clients around the world, so making precious family time is key for the former financier
- Beamish likens whisky to other passion investments, such as classic cars and fine wine – ‘knowing what you’re buying and when to do so is crucial’
In 2018, Charles Beamish founded Beamish International, a private client advisory business for those wanting to invest in, collect, gift or consume the finest rare single malt whiskies. He also advises on the acquisition, disposal and verification of collections, and organises travel to iconic Scottish distilleries.
Beamish has built a team of respected industry professionals, including world renowned expert Charles MacLean; Jeremy Parsons, formerly CEO of Berry Brothers & Rudd; Alan Wong, formerly CEO of Vinum Fine Wines; and Ross Eva, previously sales director at Fine and Rare.
To make incredible whisky takes patience, understanding, trust, relationships, knowledge and pragmatism
“Whisky has been part of my family heritage for generations, and I have always held a passion for the liquid,” he says. “My career began seven years ago with a move from the world of private equity and family offices to work with leading whisky makers Whyte & Mackay. Here I began the private clients business for The Dalmore brand, marketing and selling the opportunity to acquire rare single cask whiskies and high-value bottles to collectors.”
Investing in rare whisky is on the increase, according to Beamish. “Rarity is the main reason for this demand from investors,” he says. “Our role is to educate clients to give them the full picture of the liquid they would like to purchase, much like when purchasing other passion investments such as classic cars and fine wine. Knowing what you’re buying and when to do so is crucial.”
However, Beamish admits investing in rare whiskies is becoming more complex. “If the intention is to invest in rare whisky, clients need to decide what category of investor they want to be, much like a reputable fund manager understanding their client’s ‘risk to reward’ profile.”
With investors across the globe, Beamish starts his work early. “I am a member of the ‘5am Club’! I speak to Asia in the morning with our team in Singapore,” he says. “I will normally speak with APAC-based clients and cover any admin before spending time with my son from 7.30am-8.30am, recognising the importance of spending time with family while running a global firm.”
“Following breakfast, I take meetings either in person or via Zoom, covering deal flow, managing private client requests and customer service strategy. Following lunch with my wife, I cover the US, finishing with a daily accountants meeting,” he continues.
“My workday finishes with a run or tennis session. I then put my son to bed before reading for an hour, usually heading to bed myself at around 10pm.”