Fully matured whisky

The cheapest fully matured whisky is Arran Barrel Reserve Whisky 70cl (43% ABV, 70cl), at £35.00 from The Whisky Shop. That is £39.99 delivered to the UK mainland for one bottle. Next cheapest: Tamdhu 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt Whisky (£49.95) and Redbreast 21 Year Old (£248.00).

Fully matured whisky costs from £35.00 to £843.99, with a median of £248.00 for a full-size bottle. The dearest is Glengoyne 30 Year Old.

Full maturation means the whisky spends its whole time in one type of cask, for example only in oloroso casks. A finish means it matures first in one type, usually ex-bourbon, and then moves into another for months or years. Whiskipedia also describes parallel maturation, where parts age in different casks and are then married together.

Scotch must be matured in Scotland for at least three years, only in oak casks of no more than 700 litres, in an excise warehouse or other permitted place. Nothing may be added except water and plain caramel colouring. Many Scotch whiskies are matured far longer, commonly five to 18 years or more.

Both are very intense. PX flavours can quickly overwhelm a single malt, so PX casks are mostly used for finishing, and mizunara is harsh when young and typically needs about two decades to show its best. Full maturations exist, such as Yamazaki Mizunara, but they are uncommon.

Yes. A smaller cask has more wood surface for each litre of spirit, so it gives flavour faster, while a large cask such as a 500-litre butt matures whisky more slowly and suits long maturation. That is why small casks such as octaves are mostly used for short periods or finishing.