SCOTCH WHISKY
Cask Types, Wood & Finishes
Whisky REGIONS
Bourbon Casks
Due to American regulations, bourbon must be aged in brand new oak casks. As a result, once used, these casks become surplus and many find a second life in Scotland. In fact, ex-bourbon barrels make up approximately 93% of all casks imported for maturing Scotch whisky.
A standard bourbon barrel holds about 200 litres. To increase capacity, additional wooden staves are often added, creating a larger cask known as a Hogshead, which typically holds around 250 litres.
Sherry Casks
There was a time when sherry casks were plentiful, thanks to large volumes of sherry being shipped from Spain to the UK in wooden casks. However, in 1986, Spanish legislation required that all sherry be bottled at its source in Jerez. This change effectively ended the regular supply of sherry casks to the whisky industry, making them a far rarer and more sought-after resource today.
Wine Casks
While increasingly popular in experimental releases, wine casks are still relatively new to the whisky maturation process. Due to their limited commercial use and unpredictable influence on flavour, we generally do not recommend them. At this stage, they remain a higher-risk option compared to more established cask types.
First Fill Casks
The first time a cask is used to mature whisky, it is known as a First fill cask. Around 10% of the cask’s previous contents remain absorbed in the oak, which then interacts with the spirit, contributing rich depth and character.
In the case of a fresh fill sherry cask, the impact can be especially pronounced often producing a much darker whisky with bold, unmistakable sherry notes.
Cask Type, Capacity & Notes
Cask Type | Approx. Volume | Description |
Quarter | ~125 L | Small, intense wood contact; ideal for rapid ageing |
Barrel | ~200 L | Standard bourbon barrel. Core of Scotch maturation |
Hogshead | ~250 L | Reconstructed barrel, common in Scotch; balances wood influence |
Butt | ~500 L | Traditionally sherry; larger size slows wood interaction |
Puncheon | ~550 L | Used for sherry and rum; variable shapes/storage impact |