Whisky barrels are large, wooden barrels that are used to age whisky. They are typically made from oak and are used to hold the whisky while it is aging. The barrels are an important part of the whisky-making process, as they help to impart flavors and aromas to the whisky during the aging process.
Whisky barrels are most commonly made from oak because of its porous nature and the flavors it imparts to the whisky. Oak barrels are also strong and durable, which makes them well-suited for the aging process.
Whisky barrels are usually charred on the inside before they are filled with whisky. The charring process helps to remove any impurities in the wood and also imparts flavors to the whisky. The level of char on the inside of the barrel can affect the flavors of the whisky, with a heavier char imparting more intense flavors.
After the whisky is aged in the barrels, it is typically bottled at a strength of 40% ABV (alcohol by volume). The barrels are then often re-used to age other types of spirits, such as rum or tequila, which can impart additional flavors to the spirits.
There are several types of whisky barrels that are commonly used in the whisky-making process, including:
- New oak barrels: These barrels are made from oak that has not been previously used to age whisky. They are typically used to age whisky for the first time and are known for imparting strong, oaky flavors to the whisky.
- Reclaimed oak barrels: These barrels are made from oak that has been previously used to age whisky. They are typically used to age whisky for a second or third time and are known for imparting softer, more subtle flavors to the whisky.
- Ex-bourbon barrels: These barrels are made from oak that has been previously used to age bourbon. They are typically used to age whisky and are known for imparting flavors of vanilla, caramel, and oak to the whisky.
- Ex-sherry barrels: These barrels are made from oak that has been previously used to age sherry. They are typically used to age whisky and are known for imparting flavors of fruit, nuts, and spice to the whisky.
- Ex-wine barrels: These barrels are made from oak that has been previously used to age wine. They are typically used to age whisky and are known for imparting flavors of fruit, tannins, and oak to the whisky.
- STR barrels: These barrels are made from oak that has been previously used to age whisky. Then they are shaved down and toasted and re-charred to be used again.
Overall, the type of barrel used to age whisky can have a significant impact on the flavors and aromas of the whisky. Different types of barrels are used to produce a wide range of whisky styles, each with its own unique character and flavor profile.
New Oak Barrels
New oak barrels are barrels that are made from oak that has not been previously used to age whisky. They are typically used to age whisky for the first time and are known for imparting strong, oaky flavors to the whisky.
New oak barrels are typically made from oak that has been air-dried for several years before it is used to make the barrels. The oak is then shaped and assembled into barrels using traditional techniques, such as coopering.
Before they are used to age whisky, new oak barrels are often charred on the inside to remove impurities and to impart flavors to the whisky. The level of char on the inside of the barrel can affect the flavors of the whisky, with a heavier char imparting more intense flavors.
New oak barrels are typically used to age whisky for a shorter period of time, as they impart strong flavors to the whisky quickly. They are often used to produce young, oaky whiskies with bold flavors. However, they can also be used to age whisky for longer periods of time, in which case the whisky will take on a softer, more subtle oaky flavor.
Reclaimed Oak Barrels
Reclaimed oak barrels are barrels that are made from oak that has been previously used to age whisky. They are typically used to age whisky for a second or third time and are known for imparting softer, more subtle flavors to the whisky.
Reclaimed oak barrels are typically made from oak that has been air-dried for several years before it is used to make the barrels. The oak is then shaped and assembled into barrels using traditional techniques, such as coopering.
Before they are used to age whisky, reclaimed oak barrels are often charred on the inside to remove impurities and to impart flavors to the whisky. The level of char on the inside of the barrel can affect the flavors of the whisky, with a heavier char imparting more intense flavors.
Reclaimed oak barrels are typically used to age whisky for longer periods of time, as they impart softer, more subtle flavors to the whisky over time. They are often used to produce mature, balanced whiskies with complex flavors. However, they can also be used to age whisky for shorter periods of time, in which case the whisky will take on a bolder, more intense flavor.
Ex-Bourbon Barrels
Ex-bourbon barrels are barrels that are made from oak that has been previously used to age bourbon. They are typically used to age whisky and are known for imparting flavors of vanilla, caramel, and oak to the whisky.
Ex-bourbon barrels are typically made from oak that has been air-dried for several years before it is used to make the barrels. The oak is then shaped and assembled into barrels using traditional techniques, such as coopering.
Before they are used to age whisky, ex-bourbon barrels are often charred on the inside to remove impurities and to impart flavors to the whisky. The level of char on the inside of the barrel can affect the flavors of the whisky, with a heavier char imparting more intense flavors.
Ex-bourbon barrels are typically used to age whisky for a shorter period of time, as they impart strong flavors to the whisky quickly. They are often used to produce young, bold whiskies with flavors of vanilla, caramel, and oak. However, they can also be used to age whisky for longer periods of time, in which case the whisky will take on a softer, more subtle flavor profile.
Ex-Sherry Barrels
Ex-sherry barrels are barrels that are made from oak that has been previously used to age sherry. They are typically used to age whisky and are known for imparting flavors of fruit, nuts, and spice to the whisky.
Ex-sherry barrels are typically made from oak that has been air-dried for several years before it is used to make the barrels. The oak is then shaped and assembled into barrels using traditional techniques, such as coopering.
Before they are used to age whisky, ex-sherry barrels are often charred on the inside to remove impurities and to impart flavors to the whisky. The level of char on the inside of the barrel can affect the flavors of the whisky, with a heavier char imparting more intense flavors.
Ex-sherry barrels are typically used to age whisky for a shorter period of time, as they impart strong flavors to the whisky quickly. They are often used to produce young, bold whiskies with flavors of fruit, nuts, and spice. However, they can also be used to age whisky for longer periods of time, in which case the whisky will take on a softer, more subtle flavor profile.
STR Barrels
Shaved, toasted, and re-charred (STR) barrels are barrels that have been modified from their original form in order to impart specific flavors to the whisky that is aged in them. These barrels are typically made from oak and are used in the whisky-making process to create whiskies with specific flavor profiles.
Shaved barrels are barrels that have had a thin layer of wood removed from the inside of the barrel, typically using a planer. This process exposes more of the wood to the whisky and can help to intensify the flavors of the whisky. Toasted barrels are barrels that have been heated on the inside using an open flame or other heat source. This process helps to caramelize the sugars in the wood and can impart flavors of toffee, vanilla, and caramel to the whisky. Re-charred barrels are barrels that have been charred on the inside using an open flame or other heat source. This process helps to remove impurities from the wood and can also impart flavors of smoke, char, and oak to the whisky. STR barrels are often used in combination with other types of barrels to create unique and complex flavors in the whisky. They are used by some distilleries to create whiskies with specific flavor profiles, such as whiskies with intense, oaky flavors or whiskies with flavors of vanilla, caramel, and toffee.
