Whether it’s a sweet, smoky bourbon or a perfectly peaty single malt, one of the charms of whiskey (spelled “whisky,” without the “e,” in Scotland) is its warm amber color. But many whiskey drinkers might not know that when their favorite spirit comes off the still, it’s as clear as water. Its familiar, golden brown hue comes from the barreling stage, where the wood used (usually charred white oak) imparts color and complex flavors to the whiskey. In fact, whiskey’s round, wooden home provides it with 60% of its flavor and 100% percent of its color. For certain bourbons, retired sherry or amontillado barrels are re-purposed to impart exquisitely subtle notes to the whiskey. So, next time you raise a glass of the “water of life,” give thanks to the mighty oaks that impart their organic imprint on the spirits.
2 Comments
Ik lees dat, op sommige sites, de eerste op Google, ook gekristaliseerd suiker invloed heeft op de kleur. Klopt dat? Of zijn het sec de oude sherry en amontilado vaten?
Most Whisky, Cognac, Sherry, etc. get their color from added caramel. Wooden drums may add some Aroma but do nnt contribute much to the color though it appears attraktive and may confirm the multiple years it had matured in the drum.