FOUND NORTH WHISKY CASK STRENGTH GOLDFINCH CANADA 15YR 750ML

Whenever we make a new whisky for our High Altitude Collection, we focus on matching the initial blend profile to the planned cask regimen. In the case of Goldfinch First Flight, our primary finishing cask was Sauternes.

It is difficult to enhance flavors through further maturation if those flavors are not present in the initial blend. The core blend of Goldfinch provided a textural underpinning and a foundation of fruit notes that transformed with the Sauternes influence, blossoming into a rich creamy mouthfeel with bright citrus and white fruits.

We used five different components in the initial blend:

- 15 year corn in new American oak
- 22 year corn in new American oak
- 20 year corn in used American oak
- 22 year corn in used American oak
- 20 year rye in used American oak

The used American oak casks provided the blend a base level of fruit. The new American oak casks provided balancing wood sugars and tannin. The low rye content kept the baking spices in check, preventing them from suffocating the elegant fruit quality.

Two thirds of the core blend was finished in Sauternes casks. The remainder was evenly split between Cognac casks and air-dried, heavy toast, char level 1, new American oak from Kelvin. The Cognac casks compliment the Sauternes by adding another layer of orchard fruit. The Kelvin barrels also compliment the Sauternes by providing an additional layer of vanilla and caramel to thicken the textural profile of the whisky.