10 French Oak-Finished Whiskies to Try Now

French oak, traditionally used to age wine and cognac, is also a popular choice for finishing bourbon and scotch. Its value is due to its tighter grain, which makes it less porous than American oak and thus able to impart flavor at a slower rate, creating delicate flavors like baking spices, honey, and caramel. We’ve rounded up 10 expressions across several styles that explore the nuances of French oak finishing, whether as a sole finishing method or in combination with other casks.

94 Points - Balvenie 16 year old French Oak Pineau Cask Finished scotch single malt, 47.6%, $175

This Speyside scotch was initially matured in bourbon barrels for 16 years before being finished for several months in French oak that formerly held fortified wine from France’s Pineau des Charentes region. A complex, creamy, and smooth mouthfeel with flavors of brown sugar, chocolate, and golden raisins, all cloaked in vanilla and sprinkled with savory spice.

93 Points - Barrel 33 year old Cask Strength French Oak & Oloroso Sherry Cask Finished Canadian whiskey, 70%, $200

This Canadian whisky was aged 33 years before being finished in French oak and oloroso sherry casks for an undisclosed period. The palate is a doozy, so have water at the ready. Cinnamon heat coats the mouth, but with time (and water), white pepper, rich hot chocolate, nougat, Heath bar, and baking spice emerge.

92 Points - The Whistler 10 year old French Oak Finish Irish single malt, 46%, $75

This Irish whiskey from the Boyne Valley-based distillery Boann is first aged in bourbon barrels for 8 years, followed by a 2-year finish in Sessile oak barrels, previously used for Grand Cru bordeaux white wine. Delicate, fruity, smooth, and delicious, it unpacks apple, white grape, lime Jell-O, melon, hard candy, and pepper, then vanilla, pineapple, poached pears in cream, and a hint of cocoa.

91 Points - 2XO Oak Series French Oak bourbon, 46%, $50

As a part of the label’s “Oak Series,” this expression was finished with a collection of French oak scraps master blender Dixon Dedman sourced from several cooperages across France. The palate is light on its feet but rich, humming with cinnamon, vanilla latte, caramel syrup, and berry fruit.

91 Points - Dewar's Double Double 21 year old Stone Toasted French Oak Cask with Magma blended scotch, 46%, $140

The straightforward use of French oak isn’t the focus here, but the way the oak was heated. The use of magma stones, a gentle heating tool historically used for wine, is touted by master blender Stephanie Macleod as a gentle process that eliminates ashy or charred notes typically associated with traditional means of toasting, such as woodfire, gas ovens, or electrical tubes. It has citrus-led flavors of mandarin and grapefruit, supported by fudge, honey, vanilla, nougat, and white pepper.

90 Points - Hard Truth Barrel Finish Reserve Maple Brûlée Barrel Finished Cask Strength Single Barrel rye, 50.65%, $90

The palate has plenty of pleasing flavors to latch onto, thanks in large part to the maple brûlée barrel finish (wherein the barrels were double-charred after previously aging bourbon for 7-9 years and maple syrup for a year). Toasted French oak is also in play here, and altogether these influences yield rich notes of vanilla fudge, cinnamon stick, root beer, apple crisp, and dark chocolate.

90 Points - Oak & Eden Wheat and Spire French Oak Spiral Finished bourbon, 45%, $90

This whiskey is known to forgo a second barrel for its finished whiskeys, instead opting for a spiral-cut piece of oak fashioned from the same species as barrel oak. This is no exception, wherein a French oak spire is added to a wheater. While not significantly high in proof, there’s a bite of spice on the palate, which is mellowed out by cherry sundae syrup, chocolate milk, and cinnamon sugar.

90 Points - Old Elk Cognac Cask Finished, 54.85%, $110

This signature high-malt bourbon from Colorado-based Old Elk spent 10 months in a 72-gallon French oak cognac barrel. The cognac influence on the palate is quiet, with vanilla, caramel, and sweetened oatmeal taking center stage, flanked by hints of bananas, plums, and berries. Water brightens the whiskey, highlighting the sweet fruit flavors.

89 Points - Glenlivet 15 year old French Oak Reserve Limousin Cask Finished scotch single malt, 40%, $90

This expression is first matured in French and American oak, followed by a finish in new limousin oak casks sourced from the Dordogne Valley in France. A bit more assertive on the sip, there’s depth from flavors of roasted grains and toasted almonds, and sweetness from honey, cream soda, and raisins. While straightforward, it’s welcoming and enjoyable.

89 Points - Penelope Architect French Oak Stave Finished (Build 10) Bourbon, 52%, $65

This 4 year old high-rye bourbon is a part of the label’s core range and is finished with French oak staves from Radoux Cooperage. While the influence of the oak staves is unmistakable on the palate, it offers more than toasted oak and vanilla chai, with subtle layers of orange, lemon, and fruit cocktail.