Amongst all the distillery tools a whisky producer uses, some go largely unrecognized but are arguably more important than any other: their barrels. Their attention to detail is a perfect blend of tradition, talent, and knowledge in the language of wood. Choosing just the right oak all the way to finishing off with that desired toast, every detail matter when creating your ideal small whiskey barrel.
The Selection of Oak
The life of a whiskey barrel starts with choice oak. The oak of choice is American white (Quercus alba) or European oak, which each add unique characteristics to the spirit. People often claim that American oak contributes sweeter, vanilla-like notes, while European oak contributes spicier, richer flavors. We select the wood based on its grain and age to enhance the whisky’s interaction with the barrel.
Seasoning and preparation
The next step is the maturation process, as soon as they see fit to select an oak. This includes allowing the staves (the wood planks that become a barrel) to air-dry for one to two years. Another important point to note is that seasoning also has the advantage of reducing moisture levels and removing some or much harsher tannins from the wood.
Assembly and Charring
We then shape the staves into a barrel shape. The classic process puts the staves in a doughnut-shaped structure and heats them until they become pliable. This heat is also responsible for toasting the wood and providing a firm foundation on which to layer char, an essential part of shaping whisky flavor profile. Charring is the burning of that inner surface to caramelize wood sugars.
Aging and Flavor Development
After curing and charring, the barrel is filled with whisky, which then matures in a climate-controlled warehouse. A little behind-the-scenes action happens during this aging process. The whisky interacts with the wood to draw flavors and undergoes chemical changes, which collectively shape its unique character.
The Final Touch
After years of storage in the barrel, we remove the whisky and most commonly filter it before bottling. A barrel of a specific make and model is valuable in the final stages; its age can determine color, taste, and how smooth it goes down. Making the ideal whisky barrel is a careful feat of both craft and science, using proficient hands at each part to assure that what goes inside will end up amazing.
The trip from tree to dram illustrates the importance of a small whiskey barrel in whisky. Carefully made and left to age, these ingredients combine into complex flavors that whisky enthusiasts are sure to appreciate.