Exotic Woods: Sakura, Mizunara, Acacia, Amburana, and More

Being a bit weird is a great way to stand out from the crowd, and that’s true of distillers who choose alternative casks—they definitely want their whiskies to be noticed. Millions of casks made from American or European oak are maturing whisky in warehouses around the world, made from quercus alba and quercus robur selected for the flavors they lend to the spirit and their superior structural properties for tight cooperage. By comparison, the number of non-oak species that are used for casks is tiny, but the impact on the color, aroma, and flavor of whisky can be mighty. Some blenders dispense these whiskies into new recipes in small doses like a chef judging the balance of flavors in a spicy dish, but there are mavericks with nerves of tungsten that put their unadulterated alt-oak whiskies out there for judgment, knowing that their polarizing pours might only find an audience from those with alternative tastes. So take a look at some of these curious casks.

Japanese Cedar

93 Method and Madness Japanese Cedarwood Finish, 46%, $95
Single pot still Irish
Sweet lychee, tree bark, tangerine, paprika, caraway, and green tea

Sakura

93 Ohishi Sakura Cask, 42.7%, $90
Japanese rice whisky
Cherry lozenge, rose petal, vanilla icing, strawberry, stone fruit, and tingling spices

Chestnut

89 Iwai Tradition Fuyu Japanese Chestnut Cask Finish, 40%, $100
Single pot still Irish
Old leather, black tea, briar pipe, maple syrup, prune juice, and fruitcake

Acacia

91 Killowen Bonded Experimental Series 10 year old Basque Acacia Txakolina Finish, 52.5%, $85
Irish blend
Green olive, bitter lemon, tarragon, citrus zest, toasted spice, and caramel biscuit

Amburana

92 Penelope Cooper Series Rio, 49%, $90
Bourbon
Lively fresh mint, blueberry pie, golden raisins, dark chocolate, and peach tart

Mulberry

91 Method & Madness Mulberry Cask Finish, 46%, $116
Single pot still Irish
Woody, caramel-drizzled pecans, bananas Foster, sweet orchard fruits, red chiles, and raisin