Taste the difference: how to identify whiskey finishes in rum, wine and PX sherry

It all started with sherry casks, but finishing whisky is now an international sport – here are three bottles from our shelves that illustrate just why it’s all so popular

A tasting becomes even more interesting when you can identify the flavour components that make up a whisky. With the majority of whiskies matured in ex-bourbon casks, it’s usually the finishes that make it that little bit harder to identify. 

Here’s our guide to spotting the major flavour components of some of our favourite finishes.

Early Spring Sale: Up to 40% off exclusive and hard-to-find bottles

It's time to warm up the year with our annual sale, offering reductions of up to 50% 

We're making space to restock for 2026, so take some time to browse our January sale. We have reductions on big names, including 40% off an Athru Keshcorran, Hibiki 21 and another 40% off our Dalmore 30-year-old.