Whiskey aging:
casks make or break everything

What are the different types of cask finishes?

“It is important to understand the difference between selective finishing and selective aging during the whisky maturation process. When selective finishing, a portion of that whiskey is taken and packed into freshly emptied barrels, such as ex-tequila or ex-rye casks. Every cask is different and doesn’t take the same amount of time to reach a certain level of flavor, so monitor your blend regularly to see any changes in flavor. In the blending room, you actually work with your hands to create a tailor-made process.

“In selective aging, the blend spends its entire maturation period in its casks. Chivas Regal Extra 13 Years In Oloroso Sherry Cask, a portion of the blended Scotch whisky is aged for 13 years in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks

When thinking about a cask finish, it’s important to consider the past of that cask. For longer maturations, such as 15 years or more, second- and third-fill casks can be used to strike a great balance of flavor between the effects of the cask and the characteristics of the distilled spirits (pre-aged whiskey). If the spirits are aged in first-fill casks for a long time, the influence of the cask may be too strong and completely dominated. However, for young ripening years, first-fill casks are ideal for transmitting the flavor of the cask in a short period of time.”

Why is a cask finish important to Chivas Regal?

“Whether it’s selective finishing or selective aging, we want to make sure that every step of the process brings out the distinctive character of Chivas Regal whisky. We try not to compete or overwhelm them. In particular, with the Chivas Regal Extra ’13 series, we want to create something that goes one step further while being Chivas Regal.

Each product in the Chivas Regal Extra 13 Year Series has its own base blend to promote and characterize the cask finish you are aiming for. We decide whether these whiskeys should be selectively finished or selectively aged depending on how strong the influence of the cask isk. For example, you can’t fully age whiskey in rum or tequila casks. This is because the aroma of the cask is too strong, which overwhelms the whiskey. Whiskey is supposed to be heavy and strong, but it’s more delicate than you think! It can be overwhelming to be overwhelmed by other heavy spirits.

We look for nuances of flavor in every cask finish. We want to bring more complexity to the blend while still offering the classic Chivas Regal style. Chivas Regal is famous for its sweet and fruity flavors, but it needs a nutty oak aroma to complement it. On the other hand, you don’t want to completely overwhelm them with a cask that’s too strong. It’s all about balance.”

How much flavor does cask give? And why?

“The degree of flavor due to the influence of cask depends on the time the whisky is aged. The longer the whiskey is in the cask, the more flavor is absorbed through the cask. With a long aging period of 15 years, about 50% of the flavor comes from the cask. It also depends on how many times the cask has been used. Third, fourth, and fifth use casks won’t bring as much flavor, but first-fill casks can bring a lot of flavor.

Products with selective finishes in the Chivas Regal Extra 13 Series, such as the Chivas Regal Extra 13 Tequila Cask, are different. This is because the whiskey is aged in conventional oak casks for 13 years, and then some in yet another cask. My guess is that about 35~40% of the flavor is due to 13 years of aging, and then 10~20% of the effect is added by another cask used. It’s a two-step process.”

What is the difference between scotch aging and bourbon aging?

“Bourbon is aged in Virgin American oak barrels or casks, which have never been filled with other spirits. In other words, bourbon is heavily influenced by casks and wood. Scotch, on the other hand, uses casks that have stored other spirits in the past. It’s as if the cask has been adjusted for us, giving the spirits more prominence, as if they had the opportunity to get rid of the oak flavor with strong tannins. The cask also has a sweet vanilla or toffee aroma that pairs perfectly with the sweet character of the Speyside whisky used in the blend.

Chivas Regal Extra 13 Bourbon Cask is a portion of the Chivas Regal blend aged in bourbon casks for 13 years. This is not to make it taste like bourbon, but to emphasize the sweet, honey-like flavor that is already present in the spirit.