A Derbyshire distillery returns with its award-winning whisky finished in imperial stout casks for the third consecutive year.
White Peak Distillery has announced the release of its third Wire Works Necessary Evil Finish, a limited-edition single malt whisky bottled at 51.3% ABV. The expression combines the distillery’s lightly-peated spirit with a unique finishing process using casks from neighboring Thornbridge Brewery.
The whisky undergoes dual maturation, starting in ex-bourbon barrels before moving to STR casks that previously held Thornbridge’s Necessary Evil imperial stout. These finishing casks have their own journey – originally maturing Wire Works whisky, then housing the award-winning stout, before returning to White Peak for the final eight-month finish.
Wire Works Necessary Evil Finish Production Process
The collaboration between White Peak and Thornbridge extends beyond barrel sharing. The distillery uses Thornbridge’s spent brewer’s yeast in all fermentations, collecting it weekly as part of their production routine.
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“We’ve had a strong relationship with Thornbridge since we began. We use their spent brewer’s yeast in all our fermentations – collecting it weekly has become part of our distilling routine,” said Max Vaughan, co-founder of White Peak. “Necessary Evil Finish brings the story full circle: whisky that starts life with Thornbridge yeast, and finishes its journey in their stout casks.”
The STR casks underwent a specific treatment – shaved, toasted, and recharred – before their various uses. Tom Lindsey, White Peak’s whisky lead and brand ambassador, noted that the team left headspace in the casks during the eight-month finishing period to encourage subtle oxidation. “The result is a wonderfully complex whisky with mellow, fruit-forward and savoury notes.”
Tasting Profile and Availability
According to the official tasting notes, the whisky presents sweet and savory characteristics with hazelnuts, freshly roasted coffee, dark chocolate, dates, cranberry, and “a gentle wisp of smoke”. The nose features vanilla fudge, milk chocolate digestive biscuits, and baked apple pie, while the palate offers cacao nibs, Black Forest gateaux, and salted caramel. The finish delivers rich dark chocolate, tobacco, and dark cherries with a touch of smoke.
This release follows two successful editions. The inaugural 2022 bottling earned Gold at the Global World Whisky Masters. Thornbridge’s Necessary Evil stout itself won the 2024 World Beer Awards for world’s best flavored beer.
The whisky launches July 25 at the distillery and through UK retailers including Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange with a recommended retail price of £69.
White Peak continues to build its reputation in the English whisky category, with recent accolades including multiple gold medals at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards across various expressions.
