Nant whisky investment turned out to be just an empty promise

DAVID Tottle says he will have to work an extra six years to recover the money he lost in the Nant whisky barrel buyback scheme.

David Tottle lost $30,000 on two barrels of Nant Whisky that never existed. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

DAVID Tottle says he will have to work an extra six years to recover the money he lost in the Nant whisky barrel buyback scheme.

Mr Tottle and his wife invested $30,000 from their self-managed super fund in two 225-litre barrels of whisky in 2014.

FEARS NANT WHISKY PROBE ‘TOO HARD’

The Blackmans Bay couple were promised a “guaranteed buyback” of $43,208 after maturation but their barrels were never filled.

“As a typical Australian family, we were already behind the eight ball when it came to super,” Mr Tottle told the Mercury.

“I’ve got about 15 years before I’m meant to retire, but based on the numbers, I’ll now have to work until I’m 71 to catch up on my contributions.”

Mr Tottle said all he got out of founder Keith Batt was a single bottle of whisky and a signed card which read: “This commemorative box is handcrafted, just like the Liquid Gold Tasmanian Highland Single Malt Whisky inside. I trust that both will give you great pleasure over the coming months, and will be part of many rewarding memories over the years.”

David Tottle says he will have to work for an extra six years to recover the money he lost in his Nant investment. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

Mr Tottle said he’d never been contacted by Tasmania Police, questioning whether they were even aware he was an investor.

“I’m surprised more hasn’t been done sooner, surely there’s more than enough evidence,” he said.

“The police haven’t publicly come out and told the investors to call them.

“I don’t want to kick the coppers, but I hope some cages are being rattled and the police will follow the investigation through, like they should have 14 months ago.”

Mr Tottle was under the impression his barrels were filled until the Australian Whisky Holdings audit was completed.

“In hindsight I should’ve asked to see the barrels that had my numbers on them,” he said. “I don’t know how people like Keith Batt sleep straight in bed at night.”

Mr Tottle said he would be unlikely to throw cash at a similar scheme in the future.