Whisky is a very popular liquor that people from all over the world enjoy. There are many different types of whisky, and each one has its own special characteristics. The cask that the whisky is aged in after fermentation makes a big difference in terms of taste and aroma. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be able to impress your friends next time you're drinking together. Here we will explain to you the various types of barrels or casks used for maturing whisky; what they do and how they affect the flavour.
What is a whisky cask?
A cask is a large wooden container used for maturing whiskies and other spirits. The casks are often made from oak, and once used for maturing spirits, they are often recycled as furniture or decoration pieces. People often talk about the types of cask when discussing the flavour of whisky, as different types of cask can have significant effects on the flavour. Casks for maturing alcohol are often toasted or charred before being used to impart a special flavour to the liquid inside.
Sherry cask
Sherry is a fortified wine from Spain that is often used to mature whiskies. The oak cask imparts a rich flavour, while the sherry creates a velvety texture. Typically, you'll find that whiskies aged in sherry casks are darker in colour and have an almost "nutty" flavour. If you're tasting a whisky that has been aged in a sherry cask, you will likely notice a slight sweetness to the flavour. This sweetness is thanks to the sherry used during the toasting process of the barrels.
Bourbon cask
Bourbon is an American whiskey that is typically aged in new, charred oak casks. The effect of the new wood and the toasting of the cask imparts a spicy, smoky flavour to the bourbon whisky. You'll notice a slight woodiness in the taste, as well as a bit of oakiness. Bourbon that has been aged in a new cask is often lighter in colour and has an almost yellowish tint.
Rum cask
Rum is a type of spirit from the Caribbean that is often used to mature whiskies. The wood of the cask imparts a strong flavour, along with a bit of sweetness. Whiskies aged in rum casks often have a caramel flavour to them. They are very rich and full-bodied and are often enjoyed neat or with a few ice cubes. If you're tasting a whisky that has been aged in a rum cask, you will likely notice a sweetness to the flavour. The sweetness is likely the result of the residual sugar in the rum cask.
Tawny port cask
Port is a wine from Portugal that is often used to mature whiskies. The woody flavour of the cask is strong, almost like a smoky taste. Whiskies aged in tawny port casks are often very rich and full-bodied and are often enjoyed neat or with a few ice cubes. Port has a very strong flavour and is often enjoyed as just a bit of a dessert after dinner. If you're tasting a whisky that has been aged in a tawny port cask, you will likely notice a slight sweetness to the flavour. The sweetness is likely the result of the residual sugar in the tawny port cask.
Muscat port cask
Muscat port is a type of wine often used to mature whiskies. The woody flavour of the cask is strong, almost like a smoky taste. Whiskies aged in muscat port casks are often very rich and full-bodied and are often enjoyed neat or with a few ice cubes. Port has a very strong flavour and is often enjoyed with just a bit of a dessert after dinner. If you're tasting a whisky that has been aged in a muscat port cask, you will likely notice a slight sweetness to the flavour. The sweetness is likely the result of the residual sugar in the muscat port cask.
Octave (renowned) cask
Octave is an esteemed cask that is often used to mature whiskies. The woody flavour of the cask is strong, almost like a smoky taste. Whiskies aged in octave casks are often very rich and full-bodied and are often enjoyed neat or with a few ice cubes. Octave has a very strong flavour and is often enjoyed with just a bit of a dessert after dinner. If you're tasting a whisky that has been aged in an octave cask, you will likely notice a slight sweetness to the flavour. The sweetness is likely the result of the residual sugar in the octave cask.
Conclusion
When tasting whisky, it's important to keep in mind the cask that the whisky was aged in. Every type of cask imparts a specific flavour to the whisky, and the effect is noticeable in the flavour. Whiskies aged in the same cask will have a very similar flavour, so if you enjoy one, you'll likely enjoy the rest. If you're at a tasting and want to impress your friends, knowing the different types of whisky casks is a great way to start the conversation.
