Facts about Whiskey and Oak Whiskey Barrels



For several centuries, oak barrels have been used to store and age whiskey. This very old tradition is still followed today because of the many benefits of oak barrels. Whiskey aged in oak barrels has a distinct taste and aroma.



Whiskey, also called whisky, is an alcoholic beverage made by distilling fermented grains and then aging the alcohol in oak barrels. Grains commonly used for creating whiskey include barley, rye, wheat and corn. There are many types of whiskey. Whiskies may be categorized based on the country wherein they were distilled or by their grain content. Some of the most popular types of whiskies are Scotch whiskey, rye whiskey, Irish whiskey, American whiskey, Canadian whiskey and bourbon.

The Scotch whiskey is considered the purest of all whiskies. It is made from fermented and distilled barley and blended with corn rye whiskey. The barley whiskey is 140 proof. Meanwhile, the corn rye whiskey is distilled at 180 proof. To be labeled as Scotch whiskey, the drink must be distilled in Scotland and stored for three years or more. Scotch whiskies sold in the United States should be aged for more than four years. This whiskey has a light and smoky flavor. The bourbon whiskey is made in the United States and has at least 51% corn and should be distilled no more than 160 proof. This type of whiskey has a full bodied and sweet taste. Meanwhile, there are three types of Irish whiskies: single malt whiskies, pure pot still whiskies, and blended whiskies.

Why is oak used by many whiskey makers to store and age their beverages? Oak is a strong wood which allows it to be shaped for a cask. It also plays a critical role in making whiskey. Because it is a pure wood, it does not pass on strong flavors to the whiskey. Some compounds from oak improve the flavor of the whiskey. A lactone, called whiskey lactone, is produced in oak during the heat treatment process. This whiskey lactone has several good effects. This compound has a coconut aroma, thus it serves as an additive to the drink. It also acts as an agent to remove undesirable elements from the whiskey. Phenolic compounds are present in charred oaks, giving some whiskey a sweet taste.

Aside from these benefits, oak barrels permit some evaporation of the beverage which results in concentrated aroma and flavor. Oak also interacts with the whiskey. It adds wood elements and then converts them into desirable elements for the beverage. For example, the oak barrel will convert tannins to acetals. It will also change acetic acids into fruity esters.

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