Finish in Whiskey - The Last Key to Complexity

Every step in the production of whisky - from grain selection to the distillation process - is crucial to its final taste. But there's one step that's often overlooked by the average consumer: the finishing. This process can take an already remarkable whisky and add further layers of nuance and complexity.

What Is "Finish" in Whiskey?

"Finish" refers to the period when a whisky, after having spent the majority of its maturation time in one cask, is transferred to another cask for a shorter period. This second cask has typically contained another type of spirit or wine, which may impart some of its own characteristics to the whisky.

Why Finish?

The main reason for using the finishing technique is to add extra flavor nuances to the whisky. For example, a whisky matured in a sherry cask may take on hints of dried fruit, nuts, or caramel. A finish in a port cask, on the other hand, may add notes of red fruit, chocolate, or spices.

Notable Examples

Many distilleries have experimented with different types of finishes to create unique flavor profiles:

• Rum Finish: Whiskey often takes on a sweeter profile with notes of tropical fruit, brown sugar and spices.
• Madeira Finish: Often adds a variety of dried fruit notes, a little sweetness and some spicy character.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Finish: Whiskey can acquire a deeper red fruit character, often with a tannin structure that can be reminiscent of a red wine.

Considerations

While finishing can add remarkable flavor nuances, it can also risk overriding the whisky's original profile. It takes a skilled hand to decide when and how to finish a whisky to ensure the result is harmonious and balanced.

Conclusion

Finishing in whisky is the art of refining and expanding the flavour profile of an already complex spirit. Through careful selection of ageing casks, distilleries can create unique, layered experiences that will enchant even the most seasoned whisky enthusiast. As always, balance is the key, and when done right, the result is nothing short of sublime.