cask aging
Wood vessel maturation
Cask aging is the process of storing wine, spirits, or beer in wooden barrels to develop flavor, color, and complexity.
The wood—usually oak—imparts vanilla, spice, and tannin notes while allowing slow oxidation.
Whiskey, bourbon, and many wines require cask aging; the duration ranges from months to decades.
Also called barrel aging.
- whiskeyOak-aged grain spirit
- scotchDecisively put an end to
- cooperageBarrel-making trade
- barrelHooped cylindrical vessel
- oak barrelCoopered wooden storage vessel
charred oak · sherry · bourbon · small batch · years old · stave · bung · oxidation · angel's share · esterification · port · ullage · oak · wood grain · caramelization · flavor profile · rum · solera
maturation method
cask agingunaged
Not yet matured
white dog · no rest · unrested · white whiskey · bottle aging