Shreya Goswami
March 15, 2024
A good whisky barrel adds to the prevenance and flavour profile of the spirit. Here are some of the most prominent whisky barrels used across the world to distill and mature the spirit.
Made with American white oak, these barrels first used to age bourbon and then mature Scotch whisky and other spirits. They add notes of sweetness, caramel and vanilla.
Crafted from European oak, these barrels infuse whisky with fruity, nutty, spicy notes with a rich, sweet aftertaste.
Barrels used to mature red wines are often repurposed to age whiskies and add fruity notes and subtle, wine-like flavours.
Sourced from the Caribbean, these barrels infuse whiskies with tropical, fruity and sometimes spicy notes.
Originating in Japan, these barrels impart flavours of sandalwood, coconut and a hint if spiciness to whiskies.
Sourced from French wine country, these barrels infuse whiskies with honey-like sweetness and floral notes.
Repurposed after Madeira wine is matured in them, these barrels infuse whisky with nutty, caramel and fruity notes.