Bourbon Cask
Bourbon casks, also known as bourbon barrels, are wooden barrels used primarily for aging bourbon whiskey in the United States. These casks are typically made from American white oak, which is charred on the inside before being filled with the whiskey. The charring process caramelizes the natural sugars in the wood, imparting distinctive flavors like vanilla, caramel, and oak to the bourbon as it ages. The cask also plays a crucial role in the whiskey's color, contributing to the rich amber hue that bourbon is known for.
Once used, bourbon casks are often repurposed for aging other spirits such as Scotch whiskyb, Irish whiskey, rum, and even tequila. This is because U.S. law mandates that bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels, so these barrels are typically sold after one use. The subsequent use of these casks can impart a unique character to other spirits, enhancing their complexity with the residual bourbon flavors absorbed by the wood.