Bourbon Barrels used for scotch maturation.....

MaltNut · May 22 2017 at 2:29AM

Does anyone know if there are any favorite or "preferred" ex-bourbon barrels used for finishing by distilleries in Scotland???

Slàinte_Mhath · May 26 2017 at 8:59PM

MaltNut said:

Does anyone know if there are any favorite or "preferred" ex-bourbon barrels used for finishing by distilleries in Scotland???

Ex-bourbon barrels are rarely used for a 'finish' - that more applies for Oloroso or PX sherry casks. Are you referring to the actual source of the barrels, such as Buffalo Trace?

Most ex-bourbon casks are flatpacked and shipped to Scotland where they are reassembled in places like the Speyside Cooperage. Barrel volume normally changes from about 180-200 l (bourbon) to 250 l hogsheads.

Here you get an impression from the Speyside Cooperage:

Slàinte!

bedlamborn · May 28 2017 at 1:01PM

@MaltNut

Bourbon barres used for finishing are so rare. More common is the virgin oak finishing,

[Deleted User] · May 29 2017 at 3:47AM

@MaltNut

I don't think Scottish distilleries make much fuss about the source of their bourbon barrels. It usually depends on the contractual relationships they have in place. Most are happy just to have a steady supply of fresh bourbon barrels, regardless of source. Some Kentucky distilleries do air dry their barrel staves for longer periods than others, but I can't believe that makes much difference for Scotch maturation after the cask has been used to mature bourbon.

You will usually only see finishing in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels as an attempt to mask immature spirit or compensate for primary maturation in tired casks.