STR (Shaved, Toasted, Re-charred)

STR (Shaved, Toasted, Re-charred) cask — watercolor illustration
Origin Various (reconditioned)
Size 225L
Previous Contents Red wine (typically from South America or Europe) in casks that have been systematically shaved to remove exhausted inner wood.
Typical Maturation 3-10

Flavor Contribution

Toasted coconut, caramelized sugar, dark fruit, and clean fresh oak. Combines wine cask fruitiness with the sweetness of freshly charred oak.

About

A red wine barrique that has been shaved (inner surface removed), toasted (heated to caramelize wood sugars), and re-charred (given a fresh char layer). Pioneered by the late Dr. Jim Swan, STR casks were instrumental in developing Kavalan and other new world whiskies. The process removes harsh wine tannins while creating a fresh reactive surface, combining the best qualities of wine casks and virgin oak. A modern innovation in cask technology.