A finish in whisky refers to the process of transferring a spirit from its primary maturation cask into a different cask for a secondary maturation period. This finishing stage is used to add extra layers of flavour, aroma, and texture to the whisky. It has become a common technique in modern whisky-making, particularly for creating unique expressions and limited editions.
The Definition of a Finish
In Scotch whisky production, a finish means that a whisky which has already matured for several years in one type of cask is moved into another cask for a shorter period before bottling. This second cask will have previously held a different liquid, such as sherry, port, wine, rum, or even beer. The process must still comply with the Scotch Whisky Regulations, meaning the spirit must be matured in oak for at least three years in total.
The purpose of a finish is not to restart the maturation process but to influence the flavour by allowing the whisky to interact with the residual compounds from the previous contents of the second cask.
A Brief History
While cask finishing is often seen as a modern trend, the concept has existed for decades. However, it became widely popular in the 1980s and 1990s, thanks in large part to Glenmorangie, which pioneered the practice in the Scotch industry by experimenting with port, Madeira, and sherry finishes.
Since then, finishing has become a creative tool for distillers and blenders, allowing them to craft diverse flavour profiles without changing the base whisky’s age statement or core style.
How Finishing Works
Primary Maturation – The whisky spends most of its life in a standard cask type, often ex-bourbon barrels or sherry butts.
Transfer to Finishing Cask – The whisky is moved into a second cask that has previously held another liquid. The cask is often freshly emptied to maximise flavour transfer.
Secondary Maturation – The whisky rests in the finishing cask for a set period, which can range from a few months to several years, depending on the desired impact.
Common Types of Finishing Casks
Sherry Casks – Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, and Amontillado casks can add rich fruit, nuts, spice, and chocolate notes.
Port Casks – Often add berry fruit, plum, and chocolate sweetness.
Wine Casks – Red wine casks can contribute dark fruit and tannins, while white wine casks can add floral or citrus notes.
Rum Casks – Add tropical fruit, molasses, and spice.
Beer or Ale Casks – Impart malty, hoppy, or roasted flavours.
Impact on Flavour
Finishing can intensify certain flavour elements or introduce entirely new ones. A bourbon-matured whisky finished in a sherry cask may gain deeper fruit and spice notes. A peated whisky finished in a wine cask can combine smoke with sweet or fruity accents. The key is balance, ensuring the finish complements rather than overwhelms the original spirit.
Notable Examples
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban – Port cask finish adding rich chocolate and berry notes.
Balvenie Caribbean Cask – Finished in rum casks for tropical sweetness.
Arran Sauternes Cask Finish – Combines sweet dessert wine influence with the island’s fruity malt.
Considerations and Criticism
While finishing offers creative potential, it can also be overused or poorly matched, resulting in an unbalanced whisky. Some critics view finishing as a way to mask flaws in a spirit or to add market appeal without improving quality. Others see it as a legitimate craft technique when done thoughtfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does finishing count towards the whisky’s age statement?
Yes. The age statement refers to the total time in oak from initial maturation through finishing.
Is a finished whisky always better than a non-finished one?
Not necessarily. It depends on the quality of the base whisky and the suitability of the finishing cask.
How long does a finish take?
It varies. Some finishes last a few months for subtle influence, while others last several years for a more pronounced effect.
Conclusion
A finish in whisky is a secondary maturation that allows distillers to enhance or transform flavour using casks that previously held other liquids. When done well, it can create complex, memorable whiskies that highlight both the distillery character and the influence of the finishing cask.