Cask maturation is an important part of creating great whisky. Expert sources cite as much as 80% of a whisky’s final character can come from the cask itself. So does that mean you have to be super critical over the “type” of cask you go for when you’re buying a whisky cask? Well, yes and no.
What Do We Mean By Cask “Type?”
Scotch whisky has to be matured in an oak cask. Casks come in different sizes, the most common types being barrels, hogsheads and butts, and then you will often see additional information, referred to as a “cask type,” as well.
For example, if you see a cask described as “refill ex-sherry hogshead” then the type is “refill ex-sherry” and hogshead is the size. A cask’s type tells you about the previous life of the cask.
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What Cask Types Are There?
A cask’s type will let you know if it has been used before to mature another type of alcohol and can indicate how many times it’s been used.
In scotch whisky you can use either fresh (virgin) oak or any oak cask that has previously been used to mature another alcohol, as long as that alcohol would traditionally be matured in a wooden cask. Some of the most common types are bourbon, sherry, port, wine and rum. Things like gin that isn’t traditionally matured in casks, cannot be used.
Any previous use will usually be accompanied by an indicator like freshfill, refill or a numbered fill. “Freshfill” or “1st fill” means it’s the first time the cask has been used to mature scotch whisky. Refill or a numbered fill (like 2nd fill) means it has been used before to mature scotch.
Some Examples:
- Refill ex-sherry hogshead – the cask has been used at least once before to mature scotch and was originally sherry seasoned.
- Freshfill ex-bourbon barrel – this tells us the cask has not been used to mature scotch whisky before,
- 2nd fill Oloroso butt – here the type of sherry has been specified, and we know that the cask has been used before for scotch, but only once.
What’s The Difference Between Refill and 2nd Fill?
If a cask is classed as 2nd fill then that means the cask has definitely only been used once before to mature scotch whisky. Refill is less precise, and so the cask could have been used two or more times. Neither cask types will specify how long the cask was used (i.e 3 months, 3 years, 40 years etc.).
Are Freshfill Casks Or Refill Casks Better?
Whether a freshfill cask or refill/2nd fill cask is better depends entirely on what you are looking for when buying a cask of whisky.
Freshfill casks have not been used to mature scotch before, and will give the strongest influence of their previous use over a shorter period. Refill and second fill casks usually give a more moderate influence over a longer term and can give flexibility to switch to a different cask type in the future.
Ultimately which is better depends on the whisky, your preferences and intentions, and your timeframe.
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A very general overview, would be that refill casks are generally easier to manage for private individuals over a long term cask investment. However, it is better to consider cask type options on a case by case basis, especially if you’re looking at casks more as an experience. It’s best to chat to a broker (or if you already own a cask, the warehouse) if you’re wondering about cask type options.
What If It’s Just Refill?
It’s normal in the industry to come across a cask type that is just stated as refill, omitting any kind of previous spirit use.
It simply means that whoever originally filled the cask didn’t record whether the cask had been used for a spirit originally. In most cases it’s assumed it’s probably an ex-bourbon cask, as those are the cheapest and most common cask types in the industry (because if you were paying for a more expensive cask type then you’re more likely to specify it.)
A cask type that is simply refill is not an issue for current or future value.
When A Neutral Cask Can Actually Be A Benefit?
One of the most common questions we get when we have casks that are just listed as “refill” is whether it’s an issue for now or in the future? The short answer is no.
Refill casks are common within the industry, they are usually assumed to be low impact casks that are good for long term maturation, especially where you want the distillate to shine through. But they also give maximum flexibility for potential re-racking or finishing.
Re-racking, also known as finishing, is the process of moving a whisky into a different cask type. The term finishing is usually used when it’s for a short period in a high impact cask at the end of its maturation. However, re-racking can be done for a number of reasons, from a leaking original cask, to creating a specific style or achieving a desired colour.
A more neutral cask can therefore give more flexibility now and in the future.
By leaving the whisky in a refill cask you can arguably be giving yourself a wider market when you come to sell. And at the other end of the spectrum, if you have a specific style you enjoy, then refill casks can give the flexibility to explore without paying the premium for someone else to re-rack it for you.
That is not to say that specific cask types are negative either. Instead different options come with different opportunities. Having a basic understanding of cask types and their advantages and disadvantages can help you make a sound decision when looking at owning whisky casks for different reasons.
For example, if you’re buying a cask as a whisky lover and enjoy unusual cask styles, a refill cask can give you a wider base for re-racking. But equally if you just love a sherried whisky then that type could be the best option for you.
If you’re not sure, then just ask. At Mark Littler Ltd we’re happy to discuss different cask type options and what they can mean for you as a cask bought for an experience or as a potential investment. And if you already own a cask then your warehouse should be able to give you some options on re-racking or finishing.