About Cask-Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey

About Cask-Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey
A Cask-Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey will undergo additional maturation in one or more barrels, the previous contents of which contribute to the aromas and flavors of the final product. Examples include but are not limited to used Rum, Cognac, Port, Sherry, Madeira, Stout, and maple barrels.

Bourbon Whisky must contain a minimum of 51% corn, be produced in the United States, be distilled at less than 80% ABV (160 proof) and be aged in new charred oak barrels; 'straight' bourbon must be aged for a minimum of two years, although in practice virtually all straight whiskies are aged at least four years. Any bourbon, or any other domestic or imported whiskey, for that matter, that has been aged less than four years must contain an age statement on the label. Small Batch Bourbons are bourbons that bottled from a small group of specially selected barrels that are blended together. It should be noted though that each distiller has their own interpretation of what constitutes a "small batch." Single Barrel Bourbon is bourbon from one specifically chosen cask.


Top Picks for Cask-Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Nobunaga 15 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished In Ex-Japanese Whisky Casks
95 points
$349
A superb use of cask-finishing to complement and enhance the spirit, artfully uniting flavors to deliver a fine dram paired with a single cube of ice.
Maker’s Mark No. 46 French Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
94 points
$36
This elegant whiskey will appeal to Highland Scotch drinkers, subtle with fine complexity of honey, wildflowers, ice wine and orchard fruit.
Lasso Motel Port Cask-Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
93 points
$69
Dark, rich, and complex with a light spice and a beautiful lingering red fruit flavor to the finish.
Lasso Motel Sherry Cask-Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
93 points
$69
Soft for the elevated ABV with an underlying earthy tone built upon sweet baked goods, cocoa, and a light spice; expressive and inviting.
Maker’s Mark 46 French Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
93 points
$35
Sweet on the nose with some slightly bitter chocolate on the palate to balance it out; this Bourbon is inviting and a really well-crafted sipper.
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$54.99
Well-aged and balanced with a black tea-dried orange finish that brings you back for more.
92 points $54.99
Whiskey Row New Orleans Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Sauternes Staves
92 points
$59
Every nuance of caramel, all in harmony, all at the same time with warm spice and honey notes.
Hoot & Howl 7 Year Old Armagnac Cask-Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$76
A rich and penetrating cask-finished Bourbon with a nice wisp of brandy flavor.
Hoot & Howl 7 Year Old Amaro Cask-Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$76
A very interesting combination of herbal, spice and fruity Bourbon notes here will make for stimulating creative cocktail play.
Kentucky 10 Barrel Strength Hand Selected Straight Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$56
A charming, fruity, spicy Bourbon with an instant appeal and nice versatility.
Awards: 2025 Best Cask-Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey