Best Cask Finished Bourbon From The International Wine & Spirits Comp
Glass of bourbon with smoking cigar with old barrel
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Four cask finished bourbons scored 90 points or higher at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits American whiskey judging. The IWSC is one of the world's largest spirit competitions. This is the second year they have held an American whiskey judging in Kentucky. Below is a brief description and tasting notes on the whiskeys.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) does not have a formal, codified definition for "cask finished whiskey" in the same way it defines categories like Bottled-in-Bond or Straight Bourbon Whiskey. However, the TTB does regulate how cask finishing must be disclosed and labeled on American whiskey, particularly when it involves spirits that undergo additional maturation in used or non-traditional barrels.
Traditionally, the term 'cask finish' is used in the whiskey industry to designate a spirit that was 'finished' or underwent additional maturation in a cask that previously held another liquid, typically wine, especially sweet, fortified wines, beer, or spirits. The term is also applied, however, to casks made from white oak species other than American oak, such as Japanese Oak (Mizunara) or French oak.
It can also be applied to American oak barrels that undergo non-traditional treatments, such as toasting rather than charring. In some cases, it can even be applied to whiskey that is double casked, using two charred barrels of American oak to magnify the influence of the cask wood. All the whiskeys below were designated as cask finished by their producers, although the nature of the finish varies significantly.
Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 93/100
H.K. Young is a boutique label focused on finishing techniques and barrel selection.
This bourbon undergoes additional aging in toasted American white oak barrels, a process that enhances sweetness and spice while softening the tannins.
The whiskey features notes of toasted marshmallow, banana bread, and cocoa on the nose. The palate is smooth and creamy, showcasing caramel, dark chocolate, and cinnamon. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of graham cracker, wood spices, and maple syrup—a perfect after-dinner dessert whiskey.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as 'resinous notes and fresh oak meet delicate florals on the nose. The palate presents a dry, nutty profile with juicy sultana (raisins), fig, and spicy flavors that persist through to the finish.'
Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 92
Based in Lexington, Kentucky, RD1 Spirits specializes in premium finishes and innovative small-batch whiskeys. This expression blends traditional Kentucky bourbon with a dual finishing in rare Japanese Mizunara oak and French oak casks, offering an expanded aroma and flavor profile with a layered, nuanced complexity.
The whiskey features an exotic bouquet of sandalwood, ginger root, coconut husk, and rose petals on the nose. The palate is creamy and complex, showcasing layers of caramel, butterscotch, spiced fig, lemongrass, and vanilla, enhanced by Mizunara's signature incense and herbal complexity, as well as hints of red berries and stone fruits. Additionally, the French oak imparts polished tannins and notes of baking spice. The finish is long and aromatic, with lingering notes of floral, cinnamon bark, and white pepper—a remarkably well-integrated, elegant, and nuanced whiskey.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the whiskey as 'full and creamy with bright notes of yellow peach and raspberry, with hints of black tea and honey. Well-balanced with a dry, lingering finish.'
Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 91
This flagship release was among the first cask finished bourbons and helped popularize the contemporary bourbon-finished-in-wine-barrels trend. Angel's Envy uses traditional straight bourbon matured in American oak, then finished in ruby Port wine barrels, adding both a broader fruit profile and richness.
On the nose, the whiskey features fig, vanilla, ripe plum, and red berry notes. The palate is silky and smooth, offering cherry syrup, raisin bread, caramel, and baking spices. The Port cask finish introduces soft tannin and jammy fruit undertones. The finish is long and creamy, with lingering notes of cocoa, stewed fruits, and a touch of toasted nutmeg.
The IWSC Judging Panel described the bourbon as 'a sweet and fruity profile with decadent notes of caramel corn, peach, and hazelnut. The palate enjoys notes of dry oak and cinnamon.'
Spirit Silver 2025, Score: 91/100
Bardstown Bourbon's Collaboration Series partners with world-class spirits houses for unique cask finishes. The Ferrand edition is a blend of seven and eleven year old bourbon finished in Pierre Ferrand Cognac casks, adding layers of Cognac character to their house-distilled Kentucky bourbon.
The whiskey features aromas of dried apricot, honeysuckle, and baking spice on the nose. On the palate, the Cognac influence is readily apparent, showcasing flavors of honey, golden raisin, peach, toasted almond, and spices. The finish is smooth, rich, and well-rounded, with lingering notes of floral, seasoned oak, and citrus zest.
The IWSC Judging panel described the bourbon as revealing 'luscious, overripe mango - inviting and rich. On the palate, a creamy texture gives way to a vibrant peppery kick, complemented by playful plum and brown sugar notes.'
Two other cask finished bourbons scored 90 points. 15 Stars, Three Ports Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 52.5% ABV, 750 ml, and Angel's Envy, 2024 Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 59.4% ABV, 750 ml.
Cask finished bourbons are expanding the aroma and flavor profile of American whiskey, adding new dimensions of flavor and texture while still preserving the core profile of bourbon. These whiskeys are outstanding, reasonably priced, and readily available. If you're looking to explore bourbon further and expand your flavor profile, these whiskeys are an excellent place to start.
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