Here are 10 whiskies with unique cask finishes. Got any suggestions? Leave a comment below.
A glorious wave of experimentation has turned cask finishing from a nerdy footnote into a full-blown movement.
Once upon a time, the whisky drinker could experience little more than the flavours of sherry and bourbon casks. Now? distillers are raiding rum cellars, wine châteauxs, and even mezcal palenques in the pursuit of flavour.
From Armagnac-seasoned Scotch to whisky that’s literally been baked in a sauna, these drams prove that when it comes to casks, the finish line is just the start.
Exploring unique cask finishes
Craigellachie 13 Year Old Bas-Armagnac Cask Finish
Craigellachie’s never been shy about doing things its own way (worm tubs, sulphury funk, general disregard for subtlety), but this Bas-Armagnac finish might be its most inspired move yet. French grape spirit meets muscular malt, with the cask lending dried fruit, nutty depth, and an elegant tannic structure that softens Craigellachie’s usual intensity.
Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series – London Edition
The finale of Maker’s Mark’s Wood Finishing City Series takes a bow in London, naturally dressed for the occasion with a bit of culinary swagger. Built on Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, it’s finished with bespoke oak staves selected by chef Douglas McMaster and cocktail wizard Ryan Chetiyawardana (Mr Lyan). Expect notes of roasted malt, cocoa nib, and sweet oak char.
Chichibu 2012 (bottled 2019) (cask 2074) – Ex Hanyu Cask
A Chichibu whisky aged first in a Hanyu cask (from the fabled closed distillery) before a brief homecoming to a Chichibu cask. This whisky is a beautiful bridge between Japan’s old guard and its new wave. Hanyu’s sherried richness mingles with Chichibu’s punchy, malt-driven youth. A fascinating echo of Japanese whisky’s past and future bottled at a fierce 62% ABV.
The Whistler Imperial Stout Cask Finish Irish Whiskey
Boann Distillery pulled a family favour and roped in its sister brewery, Boyne Brewhouse, to season sherry hogsheads with Imperial Stout. The beer leaves behind roasted malt, coffee bitterness, and chocolate depth, which then seep into The Whistler blend. It’s rich, malty, and satisfying, like a pub dessert that decided it wanted to be whisky instead.
Kyrö Sauna Stories No.2
Only the Finns would think to age whisky in a sauna and somehow make it sound sensible. Kyrö’s 100% malted rye whisky sweats it out in new American oak then apricot brandy casks, hotboxing its way to flavour. The intense heat forces the wood to expand and release a torrent of spicy, fruity oils, giving the whisky a toasty, resinous character.
Glenmorangie The Nectar 16 Year Old
The “Nectar” name fits perfectly, because Glenmorangie’s latest creation is a syrupy masterclass in wine finishing. Fourteen years in bourbon casks give it a vanilla base, then two years in a mix of French Sauternes and Monbazillac (sweet and fruity), Spanish Moscatel (honeyed dessert vibes), and Hungarian Tokaji (nutty, complex) bring dessert trolley levels of indulgence. If Glenmorangie were a pastry chef, this would be its mille-feuille moment.
Balblair 10 Year Old Single Malt – Living Souls
Balblair meets Limousin oak (the same French wood used for Cognac), but in this case, smaller “octave” casks to accelerate interaction. This layers the Highland malt with notes of candied citrus, leather, and gentle spice.
GlenAllachie 9 Year Old 2012 Cuvée Cask Finish
If one wine cask is good, three must be better. Billy Walker clearly agrees. This GlenAllachie was matured in bourbon before finishing across a trio of red wine barriques: Languedoc (for juicy fruit), Valpolicella (for earthy spice), and Bordeaux premier cru (for tannic grip and structure). It’s a riot of flavour with cherries, plums, chocolate, and oak, yet it’s still balanced.
Linkwood 12 Year Old 2013 (cask 2312110) – Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits)
Linkwood’s elegance meets the boldness of Tannat, one of the most robust red wines around. Tannat’s thick-skinned grapes bring punchy tannins and deep berry tones, turning Linkwood’s typically floral Speyside character into something darker and juicier. Brave New Spirits are very good at finding the most interesting casks.
Fettercairn 29 Year Old – Vanguard Rare
Fettercairn 29 Year Old – Vanguard Rare
When a distillery known for innovation meets a cooperage known for secret wood experiments, you get “Pink Oak”. Fettercairn’s Vanguard Rare was aged 26 years in refill bourbon before spending three years in this bespoke French oak, exclusive to Demptos in Bordeaux. The pink oak adds subtle fruit notes, exotic spice, and silky structure, amplifying Fettercairn’s tropical signature into something almost vinous.
