While the enigma of whisky blenders is something to be admired at, we cannot help but be captivated by the appeal of a single cask. We take a deeper review of the factors that make a single cask whisky unique.
There comes a time in the journey of every whisky drinker when they realize that whisky made from single malt does not necessarily come directly from bottle to cask. The term “single” can be a bit misleading since single malt whisky can (and frequently does) originate from a range of casks. The term “single malt” is a reference to a whisky made through a single distillery that uses the single malted grains (in Scotch whisky-making, this grain has to be barley and the whisky has to be distilled with an in-pot still). If this is a surprise to you, don’t be scared – it’s not to suggest that a combination of casks won’t produce an excellent single malt. They can and are! Blending between casks helps whisky producers to achieve balance, create characteristics and keep the quality of the whiskies we love and know.
There an element of romance in a single cask of whisky that is drawn directly from one single cask. Releases are typically made at the strength of the cask and without caramel coloring or chill-filtration. This whisky is in its purest shape; unfiltered, natural and pure. Single cask whiskies are not identical. are alike and are designed to reflect the distinct taste of each cask.
A single of the more fascinating aspects of whisky making is the maturation of casks experts suggest that around 20% of whisky’s taste could come from the particular wood that it was matured in. The cask is a fundamental element of whisky making But what exactly did it take to get there? be?
The history of single cask whisky
Whisky was documented officially at first in Scotland around the end of the 15th century, even though wooden barrels were not a part of the tale until this point. Prior to the 1800’s whisky was generally consumed fresh from the still, or transported across the country in anything and anything distillers could lay the hold of.
It wasn’t until around the 19th century, when the UK began to import larger amounts of sherry and port, that barrels began to become a standard component of whisky production. Transported into the UK in barrels and stored at ports and a large amount of wine barrels in unused condition were at hand for distillers who were thrifty to store their whisky.
The barrels of oak were praised for their watertightness and ease of stackable, but it was discovered quickly that the sweet wines kept in these casks were able to soften the spirit and increase the flavor. In addition, due to the how long it took to age in the cask, it didn’t take long before the process of maturing casks was a key component in whisky that which we enjoy in our glass now. Actually, the laws of today oblige the spirit to be aged for three years in a cask before it can legally be referred to as Scotch whisky.
Individuality
Because of an almost endless range of factors ranging from the contents of the cask’s initial container and the distinctive nature of its wood and the temperatures of the storage facility it is stored in – the elements of a single cask work together to produce something completely distinct; a drink that is distinctive.
Because of their design, casks that are single yield the most limited amount of liquid. Even the biggest casks can only yield about 500 bottles, contingent on the proof at which whisky is bottled to or how much liquid goes through the process of evaporation (known by the term’angels share). The bottles are typically numbered individually and labels display the specific details of the cask. It is the ultimate whisky quality is transparency!
They are sought-after due to their exclusivity. single casks can also be attractive due to their capacity to show a different side of a distillery which drinkers might not otherwise have the chance to experience. Concentrate on the flavors of the cask itself and less involvement from whisky producers means the final product is likely to be distinct from the distillery’s traditional single malt. This gives drinkers the chance to taste something that isn’t on the usual menu that they enjoy from their preferred brands.
Whisky Jargon explained…
Single malt
Whisky made in a single distillery by using only one malted grains (in Scotch whisky-making, this grain is barley, and the whisky has to be distilled with the distillation pot). The final whisky may (and usually can) be made from various casks.
Single cask
Whisky distilled and drawn from a single cask.
Cask strength
Whisky is bottled according to the strength it was taken from the cask, with there is no diluting.
Caramel colouring
The addition of colouring aids in ensuring the consistency of whisky’s color.
Chill-filtration
A process to remove any remaining cloudiness or residue within the liquid. Whisky is chilled to between -10deg and 4 degrees Celsius and then passed through a fine adsorption filtration.
Angels’ share
The quantity of alcohol evaporated during cask maturation.
