Stone Toasting: A New Way to Toast Whisky Casks

Coopers have used everything from torches to infrared lamps to toast the inside of barrels. Now, a technique pioneered by the wine industry is making its way into whisky: the use of heated Icelandic magma stone formed by volcanic lava. It’s said to provide a more consistent toasting than other methods, and Dewar’s is the first to use the technique in whisky. We’ll talk about it with Dewar’s master blender Stephanie Macleod on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, more tariffs on whisky could be coming this week, while Whisky Magazine hands out its annual World Whiskies Awards and Icons of Whisky Awards.

Episode 1102: March 30, 2025

Links: Dewar’s | Brough Brothers Distilling | Stauning Whisky | Westward Whiskey | Starward | Inver House Distillers | GMB Scotland | Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association | Walsh Whiskey Company | Tullibardine | World Whiskies Awards | Icons of Whisky Awards | Bruichladdich | Elixir Distillers | Michter’s | Booker’s Bourbon | Blood Oath | New Riff Distilling | Old Forester | Kavalan | Tamworth Distilling