Barrel: A large wooden vessel used to store maturing spirit. In the whisky world these must be made from Oak. They are built by coopers and are of varying sizes, depending on the industry. A standard whisky barrel has a capacity of approximately 40 gallons (180 litres). The larger the barrel, the less wood contact with the spirit. So, a smaller barrel, in theory, can mature whisky faster.
« Back to Glossary Index