Savour Tasting Blog

While it is common for whisky casks to be charred before they are used to age the spirit, it is not always a requirement. In fact, some distillers choose to age their whisky in un-charred casks in order to emphasise different flavours and characteristics.  In this article, we'll explore the reasons why some whisky casks are charred and why others are not, and how this choice can affect the flavour profile of the final product. First, charring the inside of the barrel helps to remove any impurities or unwanted flavours that may be present in the wood. This is because the charring process involves heating the barrel to a high temperature, which helps to burn off any unwanted flavours. photo: Idzuhiko Ueda Second, charring the barrel helps to caramelise the natural sugars present in the wood. This can add sweetness and depth to the flavour of the whisky as it ages. Finally, charring the barrel helps to create a layer of activated carbon on the inside of the barrel. This...

Whisky is a spirit that is aged in oak barrels for a period of time before it is bottled and sold. The type of cask used for aging can have a significant impact on the final flavour and characteristics of the whisky. In this blog post, we'll explore the different types of casks that are commonly used for aging whisky. Ex-Bourbon One of the most common types of casks used for aging whisky is the ex-bourbon barrel. These barrels are typically made from American oak and have previously been used to age bourbon. When whisky is aged in ex-bourbon barrels, it picks up flavours from the wood as well as any residual bourbon that may be left in the barrel. The flavours imparted by ex-bourbon barrels are typically sweet, with notes of vanilla and caramel. ex-sherry Another type of cask that is commonly used for aging whisky is the ex-sherry barrel. These barrels are made from European oak and have previously been used to age sherry. Whisky aged in ex-sherry barrels tends to have a rich, frui...

Canadian whisky is a type of whisky that is produced in Canada. It is made from a blend of grains, including corn, rye, wheat, and barley, and is known for its smooth and mellow flavour. Canadian whisky has a long history in Canada, with roots dating back to the early 19th century. It was originally produced by farmers in small local stills. Nowadays the, according to the Canadian Food and Drink Association, the whisky industry in Canada generates over $4 billion in annual sales and employs over 8,000 people. The History of Canadian Whisky Canadian whisky has a rich history in Canada, with roots dating back to the early 19th century. It was first produced by farmers in the eastern provinces of Canada who used it as a form of currency and trade. Over time, Canadian whisky became more industrialised, with large distilleries springing up across the country. In the 20th century, Canadian whisky became known for its smooth and mellow flavour, and it became popular both within Canada and abr...

Tennessee whisky is a type of American whisky that is produced in Tennessee. It is made using a process similar to that of bourbon, but with an additional step known as the "Lincoln County Process." The Lincoln County Process involves filtering the whisky through a layer of sugar maple charcoal before it is aged. This step is believed to give Tennessee whisky its smooth and mellow flavour. Tennessee whisky is known for its rich, smooth flavour and is a popular choice among whisky lovers. The History of Tennessee Whisky Tennessee whisky has a long and storied history in the United States. It was first produced in the early 19th century by settlers in Tennessee who used it as a form of currency and trade. Over time, Tennessee whisky became more industrialised, with large distilleries springing up across the state. In the 20th century, Tennessee whisky saw a decline in popularity as other types of whisky, such as bourbon, became more popular. However, it has seen a resurgence in...

Rye whisky is a type of whisky that is made from a mash of at least 51% rye grain. It is a popular choice among whisky lovers and is known for its spicy and bold flavour profile. Rye whisky has a long and storied history, with roots dating back to the early days of American whiskey production. It was once the dominant type of whiskey in the United States, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest. Today, it is enjoyed by people all over the world and is an important part of American culture and heritage. The History of Rye Whisky Rye whisky has a rich history in the United States, with roots dating back to the early 18th century. It was originally produced by farmers in the Northeast and Midwest who used it as a form of currency and trade. During the 19th century, rye whisky became increasingly popular and was produced in large quantities by distilleries across the country. It was particularly popular in Pennsylvania, which was once home to a thriving whisky industry. In the 20th c...