Maturation Single malt whisky

the selection of casks can affect character of final whisky. outside of united states, common practice reuse casks contained american whiskey, law requires several types of distilled spirits aged in new oak casks. ensure continuity of supply of used oak casks scottish distilling groups own oak forests in , rent new barrels bourbon producers first fill use. bourbon casks impart characteristic vanilla flavour whisky.

sherry casks commonly used. practice arose because sherry used shipped britain spain in cask rather having been bottled, , casks expensive return empty , unwanted sherry cellars. in addition imparting flavours of former contents, sherry casks lend maturing spirit heavier body , deep amber , reddish colour.

stainless steel shipping containers, however, have reduced supply of wooden sherry casks, extent macallan distillery builds casks , leases them sherry cellars in spain time, has them shipped scotland.

other casks used include formerly held port wine, madeira, rum or cognac.