Wenzel Whiskey, a little-known distillery from Covington, Kentucky, has suddenly found itself in the spotlight thanks to an unexpected accolade. On Valentine’s Day 2025, their Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Sherry Casks won the coveted "Best Finished Bourbon" title at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards. This win not only cements Wenzel Whiskey’s place in the industry but also shines a light on one of the hottest trends in whiskey production today: cask finishing.
Image credit: Wenzel Whiskey
A Rising Star in the Whiskey World
Wenzel Whiskey is a relatively new name in bourbon. Established in 2022, the distillery initially focused on offering whiskey enthusiasts a hands-on blending experience. Visitors to their facility, located just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, could sample and mix bourbons sourced from various distilleries in Kentucky, Indiana, and Louisiana. For those who enjoyed their personal creations, Wenzel allowed them to purchase up to 100 bottles of their custom blend.
In 2023, the distillery expanded its operations by acquiring equipment and hundreds of aging barrels from Ghost Coast Distillery in Savannah, Georgia, after the latter ceased production. These barrels, which ranged from six months to six years old, laid the groundwork for Wenzel's foray into producing their own unique whiskey blends.
By 2024, Wenzel Whiskey was already making waves, earning Gold and Silver awards at the San Francisco Spirits Awards. However, it wasn’t until 2025 that the brand truly captured the attention of the whiskey community with its award-winning bourbon.
The Winning Bourbon: What We Know
Image credit: Wenzel Whiskey
Despite its newfound fame, Wenzel Whiskey’s Straight Bourbon Finished in Sherry Casks remains shrouded in mystery. The bottle is not yet featured on the distillery’s website, and detailed information about its production is scarce. However, a few key details have surfaced through label images shared online.
The bourbon is bottled at 100 proof and aged for a total of seven years. The first four years of aging take place in traditional charred oak barrels, followed by an additional three years in sherry casks. This extended finishing period is noteworthy, as most distilleries do not disclose how long their whiskey spends in finishing casks.
This transparency, combined with the quality of the finished product, likely contributed to the bourbon’s success at the World Whiskies Awards. Winning in the “Best Finished Bourbon” category is particularly impressive, given the surge in popularity of cask finishing as a production technique.
What Makes Cask Finishing So Popular?
Cask finishing involves transferring a whiskey from its original aging barrel into another cask to impart additional flavors. Often, these finishing casks have previously held other types of alcohol, such as sherry, port, or rum, or are made from unique woods like Mizunara or chestnut.
While the practice isn’t new, it has gained significant traction in recent years. As the whiskey market has grown increasingly competitive, distilleries have turned to finishing as a way to create distinctive products that stand out on store shelves.
For Wenzel Whiskey, the decision to use sherry casks for their bourbon was a smart move. Sherry casks often add rich, fruity notes and a smooth, complex finish to whiskey, making them a favorite among both producers and consumers.
A Craft Distillery’s Journey
Wenzel Whiskey’s rapid rise is a testament to the opportunities available for craft distillers in today’s market. After officially joining the Kentucky Distillers Association in 2023 as a Craft Distiller—a designation for distilleries with inventories below 10,000 barrels—they quickly transitioned from sourcing and blending whiskey to producing their own.
The distillery’s investment in equipment and aging barrels from Ghost Coast Distillery provided them with the resources needed to develop unique offerings. It’s speculated that the award-winning bourbon may have originated from these acquired barrels, further enhanced by Wenzel’s innovative finishing process.
The Road Ahead
While Wenzel Whiskey’s Straight Bourbon Finished in Sherry Casks has captured the whiskey world’s attention, much about the bottle remains unknown. Key details such as the mash bill, release date, price, and availability have yet to be disclosed. Fans and collectors alike are eagerly awaiting more information, especially given the buzz surrounding the distillery’s latest achievement.
In the meantime, Wenzel Whiskey is poised to capitalize on its newfound fame. The World Whiskies Award win is likely just the beginning for this up-and-coming distillery. As more details emerge and the bourbon becomes available to the public, it’s expected to become one of the most sought-after bottles of the year.
Final Thoughts
Wenzel Whiskey’s journey from a blending experience destination to an award-winning craft distillery is a remarkable story of innovation and determination. Their Straight Bourbon Finished in Sherry Casks not only highlights the growing appeal of cask finishing but also proves that even the smallest distilleries can achieve greatness with the right combination of quality and creativity.
As the whiskey world waits for more news, one thing is certain: Wenzel Whiskey has firmly established itself as a name to watch in 2025 and beyond.
