WhiskeyFYI

Virgin American Oak

Virgin American Oak cask — watercolor illustration
Origin United States
Size 200L
Typical Maturation 2-8

Flavor Contribution

Bold vanilla, coconut, butterscotch, dill, and intense toasted oak. Very aggressive flavor extraction with pronounced sweetness.

About

Brand new charred American white oak (Quercus alba) barrels that have never held any spirit. Required by law for bourbon production, virgin American oak imparts the most intense vanilla and caramel flavors of any cask type. The fresh char layer acts as a natural filter and provides a layer of caramelized wood sugars. Some non-bourbon whisky producers use virgin oak for full maturation or finishing to add bold sweetness.

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