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Beyond Oak: Craft Distillers Are Branching Out
While nothing is likely to replace the mighty oak for barrels, distillers are exploring a variety of other woods for aging spirits with distinctive character.
While nothing is likely to replace the mighty oak for barrels, distillers are exploring a variety of other woods for aging spirits with distinctive character. <a href="https://spiritsanddistilling.com/beyond-oak-craft-distillers-are-branching-out/">Continue reading.</a>
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Photo: Courtesy Rogue Ales & Spirits
Craft distillers are known for bucking tradition as they experiment with different grains, unusual fermentation and distillation techniques, unorthodox mash bills, and unique finishing casks. Yet relatively few distillers have veered away from the traditional oak barrel, even if some have branched off into unusual oak varieties.
However, some coopers and distillers are beginning to ask about the other inhabitants of the forest—and to take on the challenge of using different types of woods.
Barrel technology has existed for thousands of years, but the earliest vessels were for storing dry goods. For those barrels and tubs, people could use just about any kind of wood because the containers didn’t need to be leak-proof. However, once people began to store liquids such as wine, beer, and mead in casks, the selection of serviceable trees shrank significantly.
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Daniel Stewart is head distiller at Ology Distilling in Tallahassee, Florida, where he makes rum and whiskey. He is also a beekeeper and sourdough baker. He writes about whiskey and other spirits at slowdrams.com.
