Is Cask Finishing the End of Standard Single Malts?

Whisky cask finishing: we’re bombarded with it, and no one’s complaining! Whether it’s Dewar’s French Smooth with a Cognac cask finish or Starward’s Ginger Beer Cask. It sounds exotic, and we know we love it. But what exactly is a cask finish? And why are we seeing more and more of them? What’s driving distilleries to release so many finishes, and does this spell the end of standard single malts?

Cask finishing is a process used in whisky making where, after the initial maturation in traditional oak casks, the whisky is transferred for a period of time into a different type of cask, known as a “finishing cask.” The aim is to layer in new flavors and aromas. These finishing casks can be ones that previously held sherry, port, rum, or even wine.

Of course, the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has rules around finishing. Scotch whisky can only be matured or finished in new oak casks or oak casks previously used to mature wine, beer/ale, or spirits, provided they haven’t afterward been used to mature anything with added flavorings or stone fruits. Fortunately, there’s a wide world of casks we’re allowed to mature whisky in. But the question remains… how far can distilleries go?

Cask finishing has become increasingly popular among whisky producers. Tequila casks, alternative woods, IPA barrels — and so much more. From a “consumer-driven” angle, it’s about offering unique and intriguing flavor profiles that set their whiskies apart. For us whisky drinkers, it’s a chance to explore new and exciting flavors and aromas while still enjoying the classic character of whisky.

The less romantic side of the cask finishing trend is purely financial. Expanding the portfolio lets producers generate additional revenue and experiment with new products. If something works, it stays. If it’s a flop, it’s dropped making room for the next trial.

Where does the appetite for cask finishing come from? We all know the classic finishes in ex-bourbon or Oloroso sherry casks, but why the sudden push for Tequila casks? Perhaps because Tequila has become increasingly desirable in recent years. With the rise of celebrity tequila brands (think Michael Jordan, Kylie Jenner) and social media-driven branding, these spirits have massive appeal to a potentially affluent generation.

Gen Z is the future of the whisky industry, and to stay relevant, it can be smart to “tap into” the Tequila trend. So are these cask finishes truly new and experimental, or are they a response to a shifting market?

During a recent tasting with none other than Mark Reynier, founder of Waterford and former owner of, among others, Bruichladdich, we got into a discussion about cask finishing and how this development could signal the end of the whisky industry as we know it. If you don’t know Reynier, one thing’s clear: he’s not afraid to push boundaries or speak his mind.

His forward-looking mindset and passion for the golden nectar have led him to an insight we all wrestle with. 'We created this trend ourselves, but where do we go next? What happens when we’ve exhausted every type of cask? Then what?' says Reynier.

Producers put too much emphasis on the cask, Reynier argues unsurprising if you’ve followed Waterford’s developments and its views on terroir. The land should play a bigger role, he believes, not the cask. 'If you want to taste wood, go lick a tree.'

It’s been a long time since anyone put it that plainly.