Discover the Secret to Unlocking the Perfect Whisky Flavour: The Casks They Use!

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, fruity flavour with notes of raisins and nuts.

picture from https://pxhere.com/en/photo/901134

ex-wine

In addition to ex-bourbon and ex-sherry barrels, whisky can also be aged in ex-wine barrels. These barrels are made from either American or European oak and have previously been used to age red or white wine. Whisky aged in ex-wine barrels tends to pick up flavours from the wine that was previously aged in the barrel, as well as flavours from the wood.

new oak

Finally, whisky can also be aged in new oak barrels. These barrels have not previously been used to age any other type of spirit and therefore impart a more subtle wood flavour to the whisky.

It's worth noting that the type of cask used for aging whisky is just one factor that contributes to the final flavour of the spirit. The length of time the whisky is aged, the climate in which it is aged, and the type of grain used to make the whisky are all important factors as well. So, the cask used for aging whisky plays an important role in the final flavour of the spirit, and each type of cask imparts its own unique flavours and characteristics.

See if you can detect these subtle aroma and flavour additions the cask adds to your favourite dram in your next tasting. Of course registering that in the Savour-Tasting app where you simply tap the aroma you detect.

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