Whisky Words: Finish / Finishing
- Victor Ramos
- May 31
- 1 min read
Finishing, as the name suggests, is a secondary maturation process in which a whisky "finishes" its profile in a different cask type (often one that previously held some type of wine, sherry, or even rum) for a short period. The goal is to introduce new flavors and layers of complexity to the whisky.

For example, a whisky aged for 10 years in bourbon casks might be finished for 6 to 12 months in Oloroso sherry casks, acquiring notes of dried fruit, spices, or nuts. Cask finishing doesn't erase the original character, but rather adds depth—much like adding seasoning to a dish.
Cask Finish have been increasing in popularity since the late 20th century, as brands seek to differentiate their products and appeal to a broader range of consumers.
✨Did you know?
David Stewart of Balvenie is credited with pioneering cask finishing in the 1980s, creating what is now a popular practice at many distilleries.
Bottom line: Finishing involves transferring whisky from one cask in which it matured to another for a short period of time so that it absorbs the properties of that cask, thereby altering the whisky's flavor profile.
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