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.
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.
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.
Angel’s Envy Port Cask-Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
93 points
$49
A creamy, smooth and raisiny Bourbon that will make for a stellar sipper.
Doc Swinson’s 5 Year Old Exploratory Cask Garryana Cask-Finished Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey
93 points
$80
A rich and chewy, Rum-accented Bourbon with fine balance and integration of wood and spirit.
Kentucky 10 Barrel Strength Hand Selected Straight Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$56
A charming, fruity, spicy Bourbon with an instant appeal and nice versatility.
Lasso Motel Mizunara Cask-Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey
92 points
$69
A very pretty Bourbon, and this is tell tale Mizinura with delicious spice and incense to help balance the sweetness.