Meet the makers: Ross Archer and Russell Spratley, Spiritfilled

Douglas Blyde speaks with Ross Archer and Russell Spratley about why they founded cask investment company Spiritfilled, and whether or not they plan to venture beyond the world of whisky.

Spiritfilled calls itself a “home for rare and collectable spirits”. What sparked its creation, and when did it launch?

RA: Russell and I have always been passionate about whisky, influenced by family members who loved a dram. In 2018, while working with a client in Hong Kong, we conducted due diligence on limited-edition single malts and sourced high-end casks for bottling. As we delved deeper, we built strong connections and saw a gap – few companies prioritised a compelling customer experience. That led us to launch Spiritfilled in 2019, blending whisky expertise with a fresh approach to an old industry.

You’ve launched your own warehouse near Perth, complete with luxury accommodation, fine dining, and clay pigeon shooting. What was the vision behind this, and how do you see it evolving?

RS: From the outset, we wanted to oversee the entire whisky cask journey - filling, maturation, bottling, and distribution. Industrial estates and business parks didn’t feel right. Then we found Braeside Bond in Fife, set on an equestrian farm near Newburgh, with breathtaking countryside views but still accessible from Edinburgh. Having worked with third-party warehouses since 2019, we knew exactly what we wanted - efficiency, competitive pricing, and a uniquely Scottish experience for visitors.

Transparency and provenance are key when dealing with rare spirits. How do you ensure both? And can cask owners visit their casks?

RS: Unlike many warehouses, we actively encourage clients to see, touch, and taste their investments. Whisky ownership should be tangible, so we offer personal touches – photos of their cask, full access via our online inventory, and the chance to visit, draw a sample, and toast with views over the River Tay. Clients can also set up a warehouse account, enabling direct delivery orders - currently the only true form of 100% cask ownership.

Spiritfilled offers both individual bottles and cask ownership opportunities. What advice would you give to a first-time cask buyer?

RA: Do your research. Many companies offer this service, but not all are equal. Check their licenses, assess their experience, read reviews, and - crucially - compare pricing.

You champion independent distilleries and lesser-known producers. How does the Mythical Beasts series fit into your vision? And how do you balance accessibility with exclusivity?

RS: We wanted to create a high-end product focused on quality over quantity. As whisky enthusiasts, we take pride in every bottle. If a sample isn’t ready, we wait until it reaches its full potential. To maintain this standard, 95% of our whiskies are bottled at cask strength, allowing customers to adjust dilution. Younger whiskies are often re-racked into Sherry, Port or Cognac casks to enhance flavour. We also use innovative cask processes to refine character. With whiskies ranging from four to 34 years old, the series offers something for whisky lovers of all levels to explore and enjoy.

Many collectors see whisky as an investment, but do you believe rare spirits are best enjoyed rather than left sealed?

RA: It’s certainly a conversation starter. The rising value of rare spirits has benefited many, but at its core, whisky is meant to be enjoyed - especially on special occasions with friends and family. So while collecting is rewarding, don’t always deny yourself the pleasure of a good dram.

What’s next for Spiritfilled? Do you see it expanding beyond whisky?

RS: We deliberately chose the name “Spiritfilled” – not “Whiskyfilled” – to keep our options open. We’ve already diversified within whisky, recently bottling English Single Malt, and we’re open to exploring rum, gin, and other exceptional spirits. Our priority is to keep producing award-winning whiskies while remaining open to new possibilities.

What were you both doing before launching Spiritfilled?

RA: Russell and I came from private equity. While working with a family office in Hong Kong, we saw the financial advantages of holding rare whisky bottles and purchasing casks for long-term maturation. Whisky, for us, was a natural fit – an insured physical asset with a clear exit strategy. Our background helped us build key supplier and warehouse relationships, paving the way for expansion.

If you could share a dram with any historical figure, who would it be, and what would you pour?

RS: Freddie Flintoff. Resilient, fearless, and full of character – qualities we admire. I’d pour him a Laphroaig 18 - bold, smoky, and complex, just like the man himself. RA: John Walker. Not just for creating an iconic whisky, but for his ability to blend tradition with innovation - something we aim for at Spiritfilled. I’d pour a 40-year-old Glenfarclas and ask: what would you create next?