Why the size of cask used to mature whisky is important.
Hogsheads, Barrels and Butts... When maturing whisky, cask size matter.
The liquid that flows from the stills across Scotland is called ‘new make spirit’, a high strength clear spirit that is not yet whisky. To become whisky, it needs to mature for a minimum of 3 years in an oak cask.
Maturing whisky is a complex art. It happens over time, through the spirit interacting with, and reacting to, the wood of the cask. The amount of contact between the spirit and wood will influence the colour and flavours that will develop, so the physical size of a cask is a significant factor on the final whisky.
Inside a larger sized cask, the spirit has less contact with the wood, meaning a slower, more gentle maturation process. This gradual maturation, over many years or even decades, allows a wide range of subtle flavours to develop. Medium or large casks, for example Barrels (190-220 litres), Hogsheads (225-250 litres), and Butts (475-500 litres), are the most traditional choice for maturing whisky.
Conversely, smaller sized casks allow the spirit more contact with the wood of the cask, meaning a faster, more intense maturation process. Even over short periods of time, vibrant, bold flavours will quickly develop. Very small casks, like Octaves (50 litres), are often used to ‘finish’ a whisky. This is when spirit that has been maturing in one type of cask is transferred into another type of cask to finish maturing for a few months – layering additional flavours or intensifying the existing ones. However, when used to fully mature spirit, the results can be spectacular, and the whisky can be ready to enjoy after just a few short years.
Octave - 50 Litres
Arran 2017 / 56 bottles
We hand-delivered this little 50 litre 1st fill bourbon octave to the Arran distillery in Lochranza during the summer of 2017. Once filled with the wonderful, citrussy Arran spirit it took just five and a half years to result in a spectacular sweet and spicy malt - in extremely limited bottle numbers!
Barrel - 200 Litres
Glen Garioch 2012 / 219 bottles
Fully matured in a bourbon barrel for over 12 years, this malt showcases the influence of American oak bringing pronounced vanilla notes. The cask imparts layers of sweetness and toasted nuttiness that complement and enhance the spirit’s underlying cereal flavours without overtaking them.
Barrique - 225 Litres
Glen Spey 2009 / 296 bottles
Having matured in a bourbon hogshead for over 14 years, this whisky has finished its maturation time in a French Limousin oak barrique, that previously held Cognac. Over 11 months in the Cognac cask have added layers of fruit flavour and texture upon the light, grassy spirit character.
Burgundy Wine Cask - 228 Litres
Craigellachie 2010 / 296 bottles
After maturing for over 12 years in a bourbon hogshead, this spirit then spent over 21 months finishing maturing in a 1st Fill Burgundy Red Wine Cask. The wine cask has given the final whisky an extra layer of complexity. Notes of pinot noir complement the characteristically biscuity base.
Hogshead - 250 Litres
Ben Nevis 2012 / 305 bottles
After fully maturing in a bourbon hogshead for over 12 years, the character of the spirit from the distillery still takes centre stage. Gentle maturation through minimal cask influence has imparted flavours of fresh tropical fruit, butterscotch and oaty cereal notes with a full-bodied texture.
Butt - 500 Litres
Glenallachie 2008 / 627 bottles
A full 15 years in a 1st fill Spanish oak sherry butt have afforded one of the darkest whiskies we’ve ever released. Rich sweet flavours of sticky raisin and muscovado sugar alongside spicy notes of tobacco. Pure indulgence! The larger sized cask means it produced over 600 bottles – plenty to enjoy!
Click here to find out more about our Cask Collection release of single cask matured in a wide range of cask types and sizes!