Bourbon, one of the most popular spirits globally, is a type of whiskey. This fine spirit gets its flavor from the barrel used to age them. These casks, made from oak and other hardwoods, are intricately crafted to store whiskey, wine, beer, and other types of liquor. Bourbon barrels are traditionally made from new American white oak that has been charred on the inside to help seal it during maturation. The charring also gives the whiskey and the used oak casks their unique dark brown color.
Bourbon Aging Process
Whiskey or bourbon is stored in intricately crafted barrels to allow them to age. This maturation process allows the liquor to absorb the characteristics of the oak barrel and develop complex flavors. The barrel also carries the unique properties of the liquor. This causes them to retain the natural grains and craft unique American whiskey barrel furniture.
If you intend to age your bourbon in a single barrel for several years or even decades, it may be beneficial to look for a wooden oak barrel for sale. These used oak wine barrels can also be used to craft furniture and accessories. Each batch will have its unique flavor profile based on where and how it is aged. This also prevents cross contamination and minimizes the risk of spoilage.
The interior of the barrel is coated with charred oak and infused with whiskey to enhance its flavor. The longer the whiskey remains in contact with the wood, the richer and more complex the taste becomes.
The Whiskey Has to Mature for Years Before It's Ready for Bottling
As the whiskey ages, it develops a smooth and mellow flavor. The longer it ages, the softer it gets.
The distillers are very vigilant about choosing the right type of oak whiskey barrel for the aging process. The flavor of the bourbon depends on the type of barrel and the time taken for the maturation process. For instance, White oak has more robust flavors when compared to redwood or ash trees.
The Longer It Ages, the Smoother It Gets
The flavor of the whiskey bourbon tends to be more smooth when it is aged for a long time. This enables the flavors to develop and attain their intricate complexity. Depending on the expected outcomes, the process might take six months to several years. The company will bottle and sell the bourbon appropriately once it ages.
The whiskey needs to mature before it's ready for bottling. The longer it ages, the smoother it gets. Preparing a barrel for use takes many years; after it has aged your bourbon or rye whiskey blend and you've bottled your product in glass (such as Jack Daniel's), there are no further steps before you can enjoy it.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Making bourbon is long, but it produces a delicious drink. If you're looking for an easy way to enjoy the whiskey flavor without having to wait years for it to mature in a bourbon whiskey barrel, it might be challenging to get the desired flavor. We source these used barrels from top distilleries and craft them into stunning whiskey and wine barrel furniture. If you have any questions or want to see what anything looks like, we have a showroom in Manchester, CT, in Hartford County. Please give us a call at (860) 643-9191, or you can visit us online at www.woodandbarrel.co.
