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Best Wine Cask-Finished Whiskeys Perfect for Food Pairings

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Bottle of Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Polo Estancia Edition Blended Scotch Whisky beside box container


The holidays are approaching. That means parties, dinners, and family gatherings—many of which you’ll want to attend bearing a gift. Wine is the all-to-obvious route. So why not present your host with something more exciting (and stronger)—like wine cask-finished whiskeys?

Wine cask-finished whiskeys strike a balance of strength (always at least 40 percent ABV) and elegance, thanks to the influence of the finishing casks. Their previous contents might have been a fortified wine like sherry or port, a sweet dessert wine, or a table wine. Either way, that liquid has left its mark on the oak itself—and, in turn, the cask changes the flavor of an already-mature bourbon, scotch, or other whiskey that spends a few months finishing.

The barrel’s impact is most evident in flavors (think jammy or dried fruit), but it also shows up in the liquid’s texture. Wine casks can beef up velvety texture and lush mouthfeel, creating a sipping experience that stands up to food pairings—and just as easily stands on its own.

If you turn up to a dinner party with a bottle of whiskey, it can be opened that night and enjoyed for as long as the liquid lasts. No need to finish it within a few days like wine. Short- or long-lived, any of these 10 wine cask-finished whiskeys are bound to steal the show.


Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Polo Estancia Edition Blended Scotch Whisky
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1. Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Polo Estancia Edition

Blended scotch often gets overlooked in the single malt frenzy, but offerings like this Royal Salute gem prove why that’s a mistake. Created by master blender Sandy Hyslop, Estancia pays tribute to Argentina’s polo tradition with a finish in Bodegas Etchart Cafayate malbec casks. It’s rare to find a malbec-finished whisky. The varietal adds rich fruit and chocolate notes as well as texture, giving Estancia a plush, velvety body without becoming heavy or overly dominant with food. Aged for 21 years, it’s priced more in line with single malts several years its junior—something only a blend can pull off.

[$250; royalsalute.com]

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Bottle (and box container) of The GlenAllachie Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Aged 11 Years

The GlenAllachie Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Aged 11 Years
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2. The GlenAllachie 11-Year-Old Grattamacco Finish (and 13-Year-Old Rioja Finish)

Speyside single malt scotch distillery GlenAllachie has a whole series of limited-edition wine cask-finished whiskies, including two that recently debuted in the U.S. Both were initially aged in ex-bourbon casks before spending almost two years in wine barriques—from Bolgheri’s Grattamacco winery for the 11-year-old ($110), and the Spanish region of Rioja for the 13-year-old ($130). Each whisky is bottled at a generous 48 percent ABV, highlighting the natural complexity created by the wine casks. Less than 1,000 bottles of each made their way stateside, so keep a sharp eye and grab if you find them.

[$110-$130; theglenallachie.com]

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Bottle of Compass Box Canvas Scotch Whisky

Compass Box Canvas Scotch Whisky
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3. Compass Box Canvas

While sherry, port, and red wine are all common finishing casks, Compass Box Canvas turns to a wine style that’s virtually unheard of to create its notes of marmalade, honey, and cocoa: vino de naranja. Produced in Andalucia, Spain, vino de naranja is an aromatized sweet wine, made with white grapes and macerated orange peel that’s aged in a solera system. With such a rare finishing cask, this blended malt whisky is guaranteed to be unique. But if that’s not enough, Canvas offers an even more special experience through its label, which can be customized with your own photo or image via QR code.

[$160; compassboxwhisky.com]

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Bottle of whiskey next to box with wings etched on front

Angel’s Envy Cask Strength
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4. Angel’s Envy Cask Strength

Compared to scotch, Kentucky bourbon is a relative newcomer to cask finishing. Angel’s Envy began leading the way about a decade ago, offering its flagship port cask-finished bourbon that’s now become a staple on bars nationwide. The annual limited-edition Cask Strength ramps up the proof—and thus the inherent jammy fruit notes from the port casks, including dark plums, blackberry cobbler, as well as burnt sugar. Always in high demand, Angel’s Envy Cask Strength is more available than ever in 2021, with nearly 15,000 bottles of the 120.7 proof bourbon rolling out nationwide this December.

[$250; www.angelsenvy.com]

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Bottle of Aberfeldy 18-Year-Old Red Wine Cask-Finished Single Malt Scotch Whisky beside filled glass

Aberfeldy 18-Year-Old Red Wine Cask-Finished Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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5. Aberfeldy 18-Year-Old Red Wine Cask-Finished

Master blender Stephanie Macleod turned to Côte Rôtie casks for this limited edition. The famed French wine is made mainly with syrah grapes and sometimes viognier—lending it flavors that are both meaty and floral at the same time. In the Highland single malt, this is expressed as flavors of redcurrant and lingonberry alongside the distillery’s signature honey notes.

[$130; aberfeldy.com]

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Bottle of Limavady Single Barrel Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Limavady Single Barrel Single Malt Irish Whiskey
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6. Limavady

When WhistlePig branched out from rye whiskey a few months ago, it headed to the Emerald Isle, co-founding Limavady with longtime Irish whiskey master distiller Darryl McNally. The brand launched with a triple-distilled single malt, aged initially in ex-bourbon casks and finished in PX sherry casks. Each cask is bottled individually, meaning there might be slight variations, but every drop should showcase the sweet dried fruit flavors and warm spice that PX imparts. At 46 percent ABV, it’s a great choice to match with dessert or a cheese course—or just solo at the end of the meal.

[$50; limavady.com]

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Bottle and box container of Bunnahabhain Aonadh Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Bunnahabhain Aonadh Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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7. Bunnahabhain Aonadh

Islay’s Bunnahabhain Distillery doubled up on the wine casks for this limited edition, which was distilled on February 7, 2011 (to be precise). The whisky was filled into two cask types (port and sherry), which spent a decade maturing separately before being combined for bottling. That full-term wine cask aging, plus a cask-strength proof of 56.2 percent ABV, makes this unpeated single malt impressively rich and rounded. Wondering how to pronounce the bottle’s Gaelic name properly? It’s “oon-ouch.”

[$180; bunnahabhain.com]

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Bottle of Town Branch Sherry Cask-Finished Bourbon Whiskey on a table

Town Branch Sherry Cask-Finished Bourbon Whiskey
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8. Town Branch Sherry Cask-Finished

Lexington, Kentucky-based Town Branch Distillery opened in 2012 and has been making some of the state’s most interesting whiskey ever since. Its new oloroso sherry cask-finished bourbon is the result of several years’ worth of experimentation by master distiller Mark Coffman, who blended a 26-barrel batch with several unique single barrels to create the final product. The ages of the whiskeys in the blend vary, but most are around six years old—which Town Branch says is its sweet spot.

[$60; lexingtonbrewingco.com]

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Bottle and container of Highland Park Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Highland Park Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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9. Highland Park Cask Strength

Until this whisky came out, cask-strength Highland Park was more or less only available if you could find the odd independent bottling—a shame, since this whisky at barrel proof is absolutely incredible. Matured mainly in sherry casks made with both American and European oak, it’s intended to help drinkers explore their own palates and how they best like to enjoy the whisky. Add water, add ice, heck, add soda if you want. This characterful single malt can take it. Batch two is just now hitting shelves, and makes a great comparison with its predecessor or with any of the other sherry cask scotches on this list.

[$85; highlandparkwhisky.com]

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Bottle and wood container of Macallan Double Cask 30-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Macallan Double Cask 30-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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10. Macallan Double Cask 30-Year-Old

Famous for its sherry cask maturation, Macallan carefully controls the process of creating and seasoning barrels in Spain before shipping them off to Speyside to be filled with whisky. That might sound rather calculating, but it’s necessary to consistently produce the world’s most collectible single malt. For its Double Cask series, Macallan uses both American and European oak barrels, each imparting unique flavors and aromas, thanks to the varied growing conditions of the different tree species. The 30-Year-Old joins 12-, 15-, and 18-Year-Old expressions, and comes in a beautiful oak box that’s ready-made for a (very generous) host gift.

[$4,000; search local distributor; themacallan.com]

 


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10 Best Porters to Drink Right Now

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A bottle of Deschutes Black Butte Porter




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Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

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Barbell Back Squat


The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.

“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.

If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.

Directions

Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.

Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

Circuit 1

Marius Bugge

A. Barbell Back Squat

Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts renegade row
Marius Bugge

B. Renegade Row

Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side

Circuit 2

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing renegade row Dumbbell Bentover Row in gym
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bentover Row

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 
Marius Bugge

B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 

Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 3

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat

Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Marius Bugge

B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift

Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Circuit 4

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing pullup
Marius Bugge

A. Pullup

Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Marius Bugge

B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press

Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 5

A. Dumbbell Pushup

Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps

B. Biceps Curl

Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps


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The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout

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The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout




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