Toast

Barrel char is a crucial flavor component for American whiskey, but there’s no need to follow the crowd. Going with an unusual char level or including a variety may be what takes your whiskey from good to great.

Santa Fe Spirits master distiller Stephen Julander explains how coopers use fires of different intensities and times to prepare barrels to influence character of spirits over the long haul.

Many compounds within oak add flavors to spirits; the most desirable ones come from seasoning, toasting, and charring. While we don’t understand all these compounds, research is improving our knowledge of the ways that oak can influence spirits.