The world of whisky is witnessing an exciting evolution, as distillers increasingly explore unconventional cask maturation techniques. Moving away from the traditional ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, many producers are now venturing into innovative and creative territories, resulting in unique whisky expressions.
Finishing involves transferring whisky from one cask type to another, often more expressive, cask for a limited time. This method enriches the whisky’s flavor profile without overwhelming the spirit with the characteristics of the second cask.
Recent regulatory relaxations in major whisky-producing nations like Scotland and the United States have opened the door to an array of new possibilities. Distillers are now experimenting with a variety of casks that once held various beers, wines, and spirits, leading to some exceptional offerings hitting the shelves.
Ready to expand your whisky horizons? Here are eight of the most intriguing and delightful examples on the market today.
Catoctin Creek Roundstone Maple Rye
The Catoctin Creek distillery was established in 2009 as the first distillery in Loudoun County, Virginia, to open since Prohibition. They have become a vital part of the American craft distilling movement, reviving rye whiskey and taking their name from the indigenous Kittocton people.
Roundstone Rye is crafted in limited batches with various expressions. Notably, one version features a portion of maturation in ex-maple syrup barrels, which became so popular that it has been released annually.
Picture bold cereals and warming spices accompanied by luscious sweetness, hints of caramel, and toffee. Pure decadence.
Buy now at The Whisky Exchange
DS Tayman Linkwood 12 Years Old
In recent years, wine casks, particularly those used for red or fortified wines, have gained popularity for maturation. However, the use of Kosher wine casks remains rare. Independent bottler DS Tayman utilizes these casks to finish their range of Scotch single cask malts.
Sourced from Tulip, a Kosher winery in northern Israel, these barrels previously held Syrah wine. This overlooked Speyside gem from Linkwood storied distillery is a masterclass in elegance.
With flavors of red apple, brown sugar, and milk chocolate intertwining with stewed fruits and bright orange zest, this whisky is nothing short of delightful. Plus, it’s Kosher.
Fettercairn Warehouse 14
Following the Scotch Whisky Association’s relaxation of regulations a few years ago, ex-beer casks emerged as a novel option for whisky maturation. Among the various offerings, stout barrels have gained particular attention. Fettercairn, located in the East Highlands, has taken a bold step further with their latest release.
Warehouse 14 is the final expression in the highly regarded Warehouse Collection. It employs not one, but three distinct beer cask finishes: pale ale, dark ale, and stout.
Expect aromas of vanilla and chocolate, evolving into flavors of rich tropical fruits, cocoa, crème caramel, and baking spices. It’s warming and indulgent.
Lark Chinotto Cask
Founded in the 1990s, the Lark distillery in Tasmania has been instrumental in shaping the Australian whisky landscape. Bill Lark was the first individual to obtain a distilling license in Tasmania in over 150 years, and now the distillery celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Lark Chinotto Cask stands out as one of the quirkiest entries here. Chinotto is a distinctive soda made from a bittersweet citrus fruit. Lark has seasoned casks with their Coal Valley chinotto and filled them with lightly peated single malt.
The result is truly revolutionary. Anticipate flavors of bitter orange, myrtle, and earthy spices.
Mackmyra Björksav
Mackmyra, the pioneering Swedish distillery, has spent the last 20 years championing unconventional cask types for whisky maturation. They have continually experimented with unique barrels and woods to enhance the complexity of their spirit.
Björksav is one such creation, introduced as part of Mackmyra’s Seasonal Range. This whisky is a harmonious blend of several different casks, prominently featuring ex-birch sap wine barrels sourced from the artisanal Swedish winery Grythyttan Vin.
The outcome is a bright, lively whisky with notes of green apple, golden syrup, pepper, and herbaceous freshness.
Smokehead Terminado
The Smokehead single malt series has consistently tested the waters of innovation, and Terminado is its newest limited edition. Earlier expressions have explored various cask types, including ex-rum and ex-stout beer barrels, but this one elevates the experience further with a finishing period in ex-tequila casks from Jalisco, Mexico.
The interaction between classic medicinal Islay peat smoke and the herbal notes from tequila creates a captivating combination. Sweet marshmallows and meringue flavors merge with caramelized tropical fruit undertones, all beautifully complemented by earthy smoke that lingers on the palate.
Starward Ginger Beer Cask
Starward distillery, based in Melbourne, is a pioneer in Australia’s thriving whisky scene. Their focus has always been on innovation and accessibility, paving the way for their experimental Projects Series, which includes truly coveted bottlings.
One standout offering is the Ginger Beer Cask whisky. Initially matured in ex-red wine and ex-Apera casks (Apera is an Australian fortified wine similar to sherry), the spirit is later transferred to barrels that once held Starward’s own brewed ginger beer.
This unique maturation results in rich flavors of ginger cake and gingerbread, underpinned by vanilla, cocoa, and a touch of baking spice.
Stauning El Clásico
Similar to their Scandinavian counterpart Mackmyra, Stauning distillery is earning recognition for producing high-quality whisky and experimenting with captivating cask finishes. Their innovative Research Series has birthed many exciting expressions, with El Clásico ranking among the top.
This whisky is crafted from rye grown just a stone’s throw from the distillery, located on Denmark’s west coast. The earthy and peppery flavors of the rye are beautifully complemented by the fresh and vibrant notes from the ex-vermouth casks.
Anticipate a delightful combination of bittersweet cereals, delicate oak, vanilla, honey, and a hint of candied lime.
