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

Doc Swinson’s 5 Year Old Exploratory Cask Bossa Nova Cask-Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey
96 points
$80
A wonderfully distinctive and exotic cask-finished Bourbon that summons forth a cornucopia of tropical fruits, spices, and confections to carry you away with grace and power.
Middle West 6 Year Old Sherry Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch No. 002
96 points
$99
A barrel-forward Bourbon that holds its age well and expressed cocoa, caramel, and dried fruits.
Awards: 2022 Best Cask-Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey
RD1 Small Batch Brazilian Amburana Wood Cask-Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
95 points
$79
A super distinctive, intense and exotically spicy cask-finished Bourbon to savor and study on its own and in innovative cocktails.
Doc Swinson’s 5 Year Old Exploratory Cask Pineau Cask-Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey
95 points
$80
A precisely balanced cask-finished Bourbon with lovely layers of sweet grain, spice, mint and caramel flavors and a gentle, warming finish.
Western Reserve Distillers Oloroso Sherry Cask Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey
94 points
$65
This Bourbon leans in to the spicy and oaky realm but maintains a flavor and aromatic balance with stewed berries and roasted nut qualities.
Doc Swinson’s 5 Year Exploratory Cask LEsprit Straight Bourbon Whiskey
94 points
$80
A superb, full-throttle Bourbon that will take you where you want to go with style and trunks full of flavor.
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.
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.
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.
Maker’s Mark 46 French Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
93 points
$35
A big, sweet nose that dives into a spiced and warming palate; just damn good Whiskey with a hint of espresso bean to balance out the sweetness.