Wire Works releases third stout-finished whisky
Derbyshire distillery White Peak has unveiled the third edition of its Wire Works Necessary Evil stout finish single malt.
First released in 2022, the English distillery’s limited edition, lightly peated single malt has been aged in ex-Bourbon barrels and finished in Necessary Evil imperial stout casks from its neighbouring Thornbridge Brewery.
The ex-red wine STR (shaved, toasted, and recharred) finishing casks originally held Wire Works whisky. The casks were then used to mature Necessary Evil stout before returning to White Peak for one final transformation.
The story behind Necessary Evil Finish is said to reflect a unique relationship in Derbyshire – ‘a true journey of flavour, friendship, and a shared commitment to quality’.
Max Vaughan, co-founder of White Peak Distillery, explained: “We’ve had a strong relationship with Thornbridge since we began. We use their spent brewer’s yeast in all our fermentations – collecting it weekly has become part of our distilling routine.
“Necessary Evil Finish brings the story full circle: whisky that starts life with Thornbridge yeast, and finishes its journey in their stout casks. It’s a reflection of our shared heritage and commitment to quality.”
This year’s expression has an ABV of 51.3%, building on the evolution of the two previous releases.
The whisky displays aromas of milk chocolate digestive biscuits, freshly roasted coffee, hazelnuts, baked apple pie, cassia, sage, and strawberry laces. On the palate, the expression is said to present notes of Black Forest gâteau, cracked black peppercorns, salted caramel, Marmite on toast, Medjool dates, Seville orange marmalade, a hint of spearmint, and fresh espresso.
Tom Lindsey, White Peak’s whisky lead and brand ambassador, added: “We allowed this final finish to sit for around eight months, leaving some headspace in the cask to encourage subtle oxidation. The result is a wonderfully complex whisky with mellow, fruit-forward and savoury notes.”
Wire Works Necessary Evil Finish third release is now available at the distillery as well as select UK retailers, including Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange.
The whisky has a suggested retail price of £69 (US$91).
At The World Whisky Masters 2022, the inaugural release of Necessary Evil Finish was recognised with a Gold medal.
Last year, White Peak Distillery unveiled its first limited edition single malt aged entirely in English oak casks.
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