Finishing whiskey in a different barrel transforms its character, unfolding intriguing and rich flavors.
“Finishing is where creativity thrives,” says Amy Racine, who leads the cocktail program at The Vermilion Club in Boston. “It gives the whiskey a second act. You maintain the original structure and personality, but the secondary barrel introduces new dimensions—like color and texture. It’s a fantastic way for both the spirit and distiller to reveal new layers or emphasize existing flavors.”
Various philosophies influence barrel finishing. Selecting the right secondary cask and determining the aging duration is a thoughtful process requiring great care.
“Barrel finishing significantly shapes the outcome of a bourbon or rye. It can either obscure the years invested in aging or accentuate qualities that might otherwise remain hidden,” explains Gio Giambrone, head bartender at Kiko in New York City. “Finishing typically smooths out the texture, enhancing enjoyability.”
“Too long in the finishing barrel and the whiskey starts to taste more like the barrel than the spirit itself,” warns Racine. “The ideal moment occurs when the finish accents rather than dominates.”
The seven whiskeys highlighted below exemplify this balance in exciting and flavorful ways.
Angel’s Envy Finished Rye
“Angel’s Envy Finished Rye represents a remarkable transformation achieved by aging for 18 months in Caribbean XO rum barrels,” says Chris Higgins-Johnson, general manager of The Archer in Charleston, South Carolina. “This rye blends characteristics more akin to a whiskey-rum hybrid rather than a rye with a simple barrel finish.
“The aroma and flavor evolve sharply, leaning toward a rum-infused whiskey as opposed to merely a barrel-aged whiskey,” he notes. “The predominant theme is sweetness: from the nose featuring maple, caramel, and gingerbread, to a lingering peppery finish from the rye. The palate starts with rye spice but quickly offers waves of sweet burnt brown sugar and molasses towards the end.”
Barrell Seagrass
“[Barrell’s] creative blend of American and Canadian ryes, with each batch finished separately in Martinique rhum, Madeira, and apricot brandy barrels, showcases cask strength quality,” says Giambrone. “The nose yields hints of pear and grapefruit, while the palate offers a juicy sweetness accented with fruity notes from apricot, culminating in a long, delicate finish. It’s a fantastic choice for a lighter take on a Manhattan.”
Michter’s Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon
“This bourbon from Michter’s undergoes a unique finishing process in a barrel that is crafted over 18 months, air-dried prior to being toasted rather than charred,” explains Giambrone. “The result evokes the comforting flavors of s’mores around a campfire. It’s ideal for crafting an Old Fashioned or enjoying neat.”
Sagamore Sherry Finish Rye Whiskey
“Sagamore Spirits rye benefits from aging in Pedro Ximenez barrels,” shares Racine, referring to the notably sweet and rich style of sherry. “That influence is palpable. The rye maintains its characteristic spice while the PX casks contribute lush, raisin-like sweetness along with a hint of cocoa that adds warmth.”
Racine often uses this whiskey for educational purposes. “We have enjoyed side-by-side tastings with a PX sherry to highlight how the flavors mirror each other,” she adds. “It creates a moment that showcases the rye as the sherry’s more intense counterpart.”
Stranahan’s Sherry Cask Single Malt Whiskey
“I would characterize Stranahan’s Sherry Cask as a sherry-forward experience,” says Higgins-Johnson. “The barrel significantly influences the character of the whiskey inside. The aroma is primarily sherry, complemented by warm bourbon-fruit-syrup notes that remind us of its origins.
“The most remarkable aspect of this oloroso sherry finish is how both the bourbon and barrel harmonize to soften sharp edges,” he continues. “There’s a bright, peppery flavor upfront that transitions to a finish evoking honey and currants.”
WhistlePig 12 Year Old World Rye
“This [WhistlePig expression] showcases the advantages of finishing barrels,” notes Racine. “The blend comprises 63% Madeira, 30% Sauternes, and 7% Port barrels, each making a distinctive impact. You still experience the rye spice upfront, while layers of caramelized fruit, fig, and a touch of honey add depth. It works beautifully in richer, stirred drinks like a Vieux Carré, allowing the complexity to shine through.”
Widow Jane Decadence
This Widow Jane product features a blend of ten-year-old bourbons that finish in maple syrup barrels sourced from Crown Maple in New York. It presents aromas reminiscent of freshly baked pecan pie, alongside flavors of brown sugar and shortbread cookies, concluding with a warm, toasty finish,” Giambrone states. “It’s like dessert in a glass, perfect for a cozy nightcap.”
