The temperature is dropping, and it is the perfect season to sit fireside with a glass of whiskey. Whiskey’s intensity is powerfully impacted in two ways: by the type of barrel it is aged in, and whether or not the barrel is first-fill. When a barrel is first-fill, it has not been used to mature a different alcoholic beverage before its current use.
The Whiskey Aging Process
By law, a whiskey must be aged in order to be sold. Aging is the process of taking the distilled spirit and infusing it with the taste, look, and aroma of a fiery oak. Actually, you can age a whiskey at home over a controlled fire pit using a mason jar and a piece of oak. The process of aging introduces new flavors into the whiskey, and the smokey substitute removes the harsh moonshine-like smell that often comes with unaged whiskey.
Heat application is one of the most important parts of the process. The toasted barrels caramelize the wood sugars, improving the whiskey’s taste, texture, and composition.
The Different Types of Barrels Used for Aging Whiskey
Oak
Oak barrels are used to age any type of whiskey. The type of oak, its previous use (or lack thereof), its origin, and its cut all affect the aging process. However, if left aging for too long, the oak may cause the liquor to become a bit spicy. To avoid this, limit the aging time, and avoid long-term storage.
Virgin Oak
Virgin Oak is not recommended for any type of whiskey that requires a longer aging time, like scotch. The oak’s virginity overpowers the scotch, causing an intense woody flavor that is quite distasteful. However, virgin oak barrels may be used for bourbon that requires a quick maturation period.
First-Fill
First-fill barrels are perfect for whiskeys that age around 15-18 years. However, like virgin oak barrels, you still run the risk of an overpowering “woody” taste if the whiskey is left aging for too long.
Refill
As the barrels are reused, the flavors of the oak are weakened over time. This is why refill barrels present less of an oaky or woody flavor than first-fill and virgin oak barrels. However, the presence is still there. Additionally, the liquor from the previous aging period brings a nice hidden flavor to the next batch of whiskey. Because the environment has already been used, the whiskey matures at a slower pace when prepared in a refill barrel.
The Different Types of Re-Fill Barrels Used for Aging Whiskey
Sherry, Wine, and Port
Sherry, wine, and port barrels soften the taste of a whiskey. Sweet and fruity, these types of barrels naturally complement the whiskey’s smoky flavors. Of course, port brings a whole different sensation, causing the whiskey to form a strong berry flavor, similar to the cherry thickness of port.
Cognac
Like most spirits, a liquor must meet a set of legal requirements in order to be declared “cognac.” One requirement states cognac must be matured in Limousin Oak for at least two years, though whiskey should not be stored in cognac barrels for that long. When aged in a cognac barrel, whiskey brings an array of intense flavors, including caramel, toffee, and even a hint of citrus.
Stout
Stouts are produced from dark, roasted malt that brings a different strength to whiskey. The beer is largely popular in Ireland, but you can definitely find Guinness lovers anywhere you go. Some whiskeys like Jameson are aged in barrels previously used for holding stout, like the Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition.
Rum
It’s not very commonly used, but some may choose to age their whiskey in ex-rum barrels. Usually, the barrel was previously used for a dark and flavorful Caribbean rum. The tropical origin inspires a fruity taste that pairs nicely with the whiskey’s smokey strength. Due to its sweetness and fruity flavors, ex-rum barrels are not suggested for short-term storage.
Bourbon
While whiskey aged in ex-wine, sherry, and port barrels are pretty rare to come by, the most common type of barrel is an ex-bourbon barrel. These types of barrels are inexpensive and fairly easy to get your hands on. Bourbon is a bit more difficult to work with than scotch. When aging bourbon, you legally must use a new oak barrel. So, there are a lot of ex-Bourbon barrels available and ready for reuse, which is good news for those wanting to age scotch.
Get Your Whiskey From Grizzly Liquor
Our extensive whiskey selection at Grizzly Liquor will blow you away! Browse our full selection online, complete your order, and we will have everything ready for you to pick up when you stop by our store in downtown Missoula. We look forward to seeing you soon!
