whisky cask influence

Whiskey aging:
casks make or break everything

whisky cask influence

原酒の熟成からさまざまな樽の使い分けまで、 カスクフィニッシュの世界をご案内します。

ウイスキーの魅力を知り始めたばかりの方は、「カスクって何だろう」という疑問が頭をよぎるかもしれません。ご心配なく。これからご説明します。カスク(樽)とは、スピリッツやワインを熟成させるために使用される、木や金属の輪で縛られた大きな木製の容器のことです。カスクフィニッシュとは、ウイスキーを熟成させるために入れる樽のことであり、最初の熟成の後にさらに時間をかけることを指します。

ウイスキーは常にカスクの中で熟成されますが、カスクフィニッシュは最終的なフレーバーに大きな影響を与えます。スコッチウイスキーはラベルに記載された期間(最低でも3年)熟成されますが、その後、ワインやシェリーなど他の蒸留酒の熟成に使用されたカスクでさらに時間をかけることがあります。ラムカスクのような他のスピリッツのカスクでウイスキーを熟成させた場合、ラムの風味を引き継ぐのではなく、カスクがウイスキーの風味を高め、ラムに含まれるトロピカルフルーツのような香りを引き出すということを知っておくことが重要です。

ウイスキーの種類やカスクフィニッシュについて調べていると、シングルカスクとダブルカスクの違いについて知りたくなるでしょう。シングルカスクとは、ウイスキーが1つの樽のみで熟成されることを意味します。一方、ダブルカスクやトリプルカスク(およびそれ以上)は、ウイスキーがさまざまなカスクで熟成されることを意味し、以前は別のスピリッツの熟成に使われていたカスクが使われることもあります。

カスクフィニッシュが何であれ、ウイスキーの熟成には欠かせないものです。

シーバスリーガルのマスターブレンダーであるサンディ・ヒスロップに、カスクフィニッシュとシーバスリーガルシリーズにおけるカスクフィニッシュの役割について聞きました。

What are the different types of cask finishes?

“It is important to understand the difference between selective finishing and selective aging during the whisky maturation process. When selective finishing, a portion of that whiskey is taken and packed into freshly emptied barrels, such as ex-tequila or ex-rye casks. Every cask is different and doesn’t take the same amount of time to reach a certain level of flavor, so monitor your blend regularly to see any changes in flavor. In the blending room, you actually work with your hands to create a tailor-made process.

“In selective aging, the blend spends its entire maturation period in its casks. Chivas Regal Extra 13 Years In Oloroso Sherry Cask, a portion of the blended Scotch whisky is aged for 13 years in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks

When thinking about a cask finish, it’s important to consider the past of that cask. For longer maturations, such as 15 years or more, second- and third-fill casks can be used to strike a great balance of flavor between the effects of the cask and the characteristics of the distilled spirits (pre-aged whiskey). If the spirits are aged in first-fill casks for a long time, the influence of the cask may be too strong and completely dominated. However, for young ripening years, first-fill casks are ideal for transmitting the flavor of the cask in a short period of time.”

Why is a cask finish important to Chivas Regal?

“Whether it’s selective finishing or selective aging, we want to make sure that every step of the process brings out the distinctive character of Chivas Regal whisky. We try not to compete or overwhelm them. In particular, with the Chivas Regal Extra ’13 series, we want to create something that goes one step further while being Chivas Regal.

Each product in the Chivas Regal Extra 13 Year Series has its own base blend to promote and characterize the cask finish you are aiming for. We decide whether these whiskeys should be selectively finished or selectively aged depending on how strong the influence of the cask isk. For example, you can’t fully age whiskey in rum or tequila casks. This is because the aroma of the cask is too strong, which overwhelms the whiskey. Whiskey is supposed to be heavy and strong, but it’s more delicate than you think! It can be overwhelming to be overwhelmed by other heavy spirits.

We look for nuances of flavor in every cask finish. We want to bring more complexity to the blend while still offering the classic Chivas Regal style. Chivas Regal is famous for its sweet and fruity flavors, but it needs a nutty oak aroma to complement it. On the other hand, you don’t want to completely overwhelm them with a cask that’s too strong. It’s all about balance.”

How much flavor does cask give? And why?

“The degree of flavor due to the influence of cask depends on the time the whisky is aged. The longer the whiskey is in the cask, the more flavor is absorbed through the cask. With a long aging period of 15 years, about 50% of the flavor comes from the cask. It also depends on how many times the cask has been used. Third, fourth, and fifth use casks won’t bring as much flavor, but first-fill casks can bring a lot of flavor.

Products with selective finishes in the Chivas Regal Extra 13 Series, such as the Chivas Regal Extra 13 Tequila Cask, are different. This is because the whiskey is aged in conventional oak casks for 13 years, and then some in yet another cask. My guess is that about 35~40% of the flavor is due to 13 years of aging, and then 10~20% of the effect is added by another cask used. It’s a two-step process.”

What is the difference between scotch aging and bourbon aging?

“Bourbon is aged in Virgin American oak barrels or casks, which have never been filled with other spirits. In other words, bourbon is heavily influenced by casks and wood. Scotch, on the other hand, uses casks that have stored other spirits in the past. It’s as if the cask has been adjusted for us, giving the spirits more prominence, as if they had the opportunity to get rid of the oak flavor with strong tannins. The cask also has a sweet vanilla or toffee aroma that pairs perfectly with the sweet character of the Speyside whisky used in the blend.

Chivas Regal Extra 13 Bourbon Cask is a portion of the Chivas Regal blend aged in bourbon casks for 13 years. This is not to make it taste like bourbon, but to emphasize the sweet, honey-like flavor that is already present in the spirit.

What is your favoritecask finishand why?

“As a master blender, going to Japan to meet with the barrel manufacturer, signing a contract and bringing the cask back to Scotland was a dream come true and I was very happy to add Chivas Regal Mizunara to my product. I like to drink it with large ice balls or cubes of ice that melt slowly. The reaction of alcohol and water is perfect!”

chivas mizunara polaroid camera

If you’d like to learn more about how whisky is made, check out our article on the differences between single malt and blended whiskey and how to blend them.

If you’d like to learn more about how whisky is made, check out our article on how to make whiskey and how to blend whiskey.