Independent Derbyshire distillery White Peak is releasing its third iteration of Wire Works Necessary Evil Finish whisky, created in collaboration with Thornbridge Brewery.
The whisky is a dual maturation of White Peak’s lightly-peated spirit, matured initially in former bourbon barrels, before being finished in casks that previously held Thornbridge’s imperial stout, Necessary Evil.
Since 2022, the distillery has released two sell-out editions of Necessary Evil Finish. This year’s release, bottled again at 51.3%, is an evolution of the previous releases.
The shaved, toasted, and recharred finishing casks began life with Wire Works whisky, went on to mature internationally award-winning Necessary Evil stout, and then returned to White Peak for one final transformation. The story of
Necessary Evil Finish is one of a unique Derbyshire relationship.
“We’ve had a strong relationship with Thornbridge since we began,” said Max Vaughan, co-founder of White Peak. “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.”
Tasting notes
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.”
On the nose, the whisky offers vanilla fudge, milk chocolate digestive biscuits, freshly-roasted coffee, hazelnuts, flaked
almonds, crème brûlée, baked apple pie, cassia, marzipan, sage, and strawberry laces, says White Peak.
The palate bring forth cacao nibs, Black Forest gateau, cracked black peppercorns, salted caramel, Marmite on toast, butter pastry, Medjool dates, Seville orange marmalade, a hint of spearmint, fresh espresso, and soft white candy. The finish is rich dark chocolate, tobacco, Murray mints, dark cherries, and roasted malt, with a touch of smoke.
