Cask
Pronunciation: kask Also known as: Fass, Eichenfass, Sherry Cask
A wooden barrel for maturing spirits. Cask type, size and previous contents, such as sherry or bourbon, clearly shape colour and taste.
A cask is a wooden barrel, usually of oak, in which spirits mature. The wood releases colour, tannins and aromas such as vanilla, spice or toast, and lets small amounts of oxygen pass. In this way the spirit changes over the years.
Cask sizes and previous fills differ widely. For whisky, former bourbon or sherry casks are often used and pass their aromas to the whisky. In a finish the spirit matures briefly at the end in another cask type, such as wine or rum. The condition of the cask is an important factor influencing character and price.
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