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What is wood finishing?

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28/03/2023 Wood finishing is the process whereby a distiller transfers their whiskey from one type of cask to another.

In a nutshell, it's the process whereby a distiller transfers their whiskey from one type of cask to another. Also known as secondary maturation, this adds complexity to the whiskey, changing its colour and flavour profile, depending on the type of cask used.

“Wood finishing or secondary maturation may only be a relatively ‘new’ way of making whiskey, having emerged over the past two decades. But, it’s an exciting extra step in the process which yields some fantastic results on the profile of the whiskey, giving it a lot of its character and uniqueness, and it’s those touches we’re proud to add to every bottle of Athrú” says Lough Gill Distillery.

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Distillers often try to get to these common whiskey finishes: Dry oak, vanilla and salt are all quite common finishes, but the possibilities are endless. Also, take note of the length of time you can taste these flavours. If they're fleeting, that's called a short finish.

If you are a whiskey fan, Bartender Spirits Awards recommend you try these previous winners.

Castle & Key Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Producer Name: Castle & Key Distillery

Country: United States

Category: Whisky

Award: Gold Medal

Castle & Key Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

94 Points

The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey

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The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey

93 Points

Cask-strength wheat whiskey

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Award: Gold Medal

Cask strength wheated whiskey

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Craft Whiskey

Producer Name: Dented Brick Distillery

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Award: Gold Medal

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The Legendary Dark Silkie Irish Whiskey

Producer Name: Sliabh Liag Distillers

Country: Ireland

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Award: Gold Medal

The Legendary Dark Silkie Irish Whiskey

92 Points

Black Whiskey

Producer Name: Don Michael SAC

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Award: Gold Medal

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Citrus Distillers American Whiskey

Producer Name: Citrus Distillers

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Award: Gold Medal

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Loaded Cannon Carlota's Revenge Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Producer Name: Suncoast Loaded Cannon Distilled Spirits, LLC

Country: United States

Category: Whisky

Award: Gold Medal

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91 Points

Spirit Works Distillery / Straight Rye Whiskey

Producer Name: Spirit Works Distillery

Country: United States

Category: Whisky

Award: Gold Medal

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McCarthy's 6-Year Oregon Single Malt Whiskey

Producer Name: Hood River Distillers

Country: United States

Category: Whisky

Award: Gold Medal

McCarthy's 6 Year Oregon Single Malt Whiskey

91 Points

Bespoken Spirits American Light Whiskey

Producer Name: Bespoken Spirits

Country: United States

Category: Whisky

Award: Gold Medal

Bespoken Spirits American Light Whiskey

91 Points

Jack Daniel's Triple Mash Blended Straight Whiskey

Producer Name: Jack Daniel's

Country: United States

Category: Whisky

Award: Gold Medal

Jack Daniel's Triple Mash Blended Straight Whiskey

90 Points

Field and Sound Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey

Producer Name: Long Island Spirits

Country: United States

Category: Whisky

Award: Gold Medal

Field and Sound Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey

90 points

International and domestic spirits brands are invited to register, to take advantage of the early bird pricing that is on right now. Here is how to enter.