Barrel aging can seem like a daunting task, but it is a complex process that yields fantastic results. With so many different types of barrels to choose from, it may be difficult to know where to start. However, once you experience the transformative impact that barrel aging has on your whiskey, you’ll be hooked. When whiskey is aged in an oak barrel, the oak interacts with the whiskey and changes its flavour profile through a process of maturation and oxidation. The result is a whiskey infused with rich, complex flavours unique to barrel aging. Keep reading further to learn more about the basics of oak whiskey barrels and their role in aging whiskey.
All You Need To Know Before Aging Your Barrel
Before aging your whiskey in a barrel, it’s crucial to understand the basics. Knowledge about barrel aging is vital in ensuring you get the best results. Read on to acquire the information you need to make informed decisions about your barrel aging process.
1. Effects Of Wood
The type of wood used in the barrel significantly impacts the whiskey’s final flavour. The changes that occur during the aging process include:
- The alteration of colour.
- The development of the whiskey’s profile.
- The evolution of its flavour.
Oak aging barrels in Canada are commonly used for aging whiskey due to their resistance to leaks and their ability to impart a distinctive flavour. The taste of the whiskey is enhanced by four elements found in oak, making it a popular choice for barrel aging.
- Vanillin: Vanillin degrades the wood cells and adds vanilla flavour to your whiskey.
- Eugenol: This oak element adds a spicy, clove flavour from the dying air process.
- Oak Lactones: The coconut flavour comes from oak lactones.
- Furfural: The heat produced during the toasting process gives a light caramel, faint almond-like taste. You can visit the website of The Urban Barrel Company to enhance your oak barrel knowledge.
2. Effects Of Different Barrels On Flavour
The barrel’s significance in shaping whiskey’s flavour cannot be overstated. It is crucial to consider the type of barrel and the length of time the whiskey is aged in it, as different barrels impart distinct flavours. Knowing the history of your oak whiskey barrel is also essential in determining the resulting flavour profile. The aging process and the barrel’s contribution to whiskey’s flavour is a complex interplay of factors.
3. Time Taken For Aging
The flavour of your whiskey will change with time, whether it’s a matter of days, weeks, months, or even years. The longer you age it, the better the taste will be. Aging in an oak barrel will enhance the flavour, and it’s thought that the product will pick up flavour faster if it has a greater surface area. Using chips or cubes can speed up the process, but it will still require more time to achieve the desired flavour in a mini oak barrel for aging.
4. The External Factors Affecting Around Barrel
The process of aging whiskey is a delicate art. The duration of aging plays a crucial role in determining the final flavour of the whiskey. The initial months are particularly important as significant changes occur to the product during that time. It’s a must to keep in mind that the more a barrel has been used, the less impact it has on the liquid inside.
5. Styles Of Beers That Age Better
Almost all kinds of beers have been experimented with to complement and enhance different food flavours. However, there are a few pairings that the beer world has to take, such as:
- Porters: Bourbon barrels are the most commonly used barrels that give vanilla, chocolate, and even special flavoured taste like pumpkin.
- Barleywines: They are high-ABV, heavy on dark fruits that compliment the woody flavour of oak aging barrels in Canada.
- Imperial style: These beers get a little too strong from the barrel aging. They are brewed with high ABV by the Britishers to impress the Russians.
Get Your Oak Aging Barrels In Canada From Us!
By using oak whiskey barrels in the aging process, your whiskey can acquire a rich and delicious taste and aroma. The influence of the barrel is significant in determining the final flavour profile of the whiskey. Reach out to the Urban Barrel Company to get the best barrels for aging. Our high-quality barrels promise to elevate your aging experience. Visit our website today to learn more.