Wood-finishing is sometimes sniffed at, but when done properly, it can truly transform a single malt. Take the Glenmorangie 1981 vintage, for example, which matured for two of its last 21 years in casks previously containing Chateau d’Yquem. This is a Highland malt fit for monarchs, a behemoth Glenmorangie that was the first to be matured in white wine casks.
