Finishing Casks

Whisky education from Whisk(e)y Advent 2025 (2025-12-03). Summary below; full write-up with sources and images: calendar/2025-12-03.qmd.

Secondary-cask finishing began historically as cost-saving (reusing wine/port/sherry/rum casks) and now shapes flavor. For bourbon it raises a definitional debate, since bourbon must use new charred oak with no additives; finished bourbons must carry a statement of composition.