Interesting fact:
The Speyside Cooperage holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest time to build a 190-liter (50-gallon) barrel. This record was set on 29 April 2017 by a team at the Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre in Scotland. The record-breaking time was 3 minutes and 3 seconds.
There are three primary types of casks used in the aging of whisky: butts, barriques, and hogsheads. Each of these has a unique history, specific characteristics, and a distinct role in the maturation process.
Butts:
The term "butt" originates from the Medieval Latin word "buttis," which referred to a large cask or barrel. This word likely has its roots in the Greek word "bouttis," also denoting a container for storing liquids. In the world of whisky, a butt is a large cask typically holding around 500 liters (approximately 110 gallons). Butts are traditionally used in the aging of sherry, which gives them a distinctive influence when repurposed for whisky. A butt typically consists of 32 to 36 staves, meticulously crafted and fitted together to ensure a watertight seal. The size of a butt allows for a slower interaction between the wood and the whisky, which is ideal for long-term aging and imparting deep, rich flavors.
Barriques:
The word "barrique" comes from the French language and traces its origins to the Old Provençal term "barrica," meaning a small barrel. This term, likely derived from the late Latin "barrica," was commonly associated with the Bordeaux wine region, where barriques became the standard for aging wine. A barrique typically holds about 190 - 225 liters (around 50 - 54 gallons) and has 19 to 24 staves. The smaller size compared to a butt allows for a more intense interaction between the wood and the liquid, often resulting in more pronounced flavors in a shorter period. The barrique's influence on the whisky is notable, as it can impart a range of flavors depending on the type of liquid previously stored in it.
Hogsheads:
The term "hogshead" has a more uncertain etymology but is believed to derive from the Anglo-Saxon phrase "hogges hede," which may have originally referred to a unit of measurement. Another theory is that it evolved from the term "oxhead," referring to a large container, which through linguistic changes, became "hogshead." A hogshead typically holds about 250 liters (approximately 56 gallons) and consists of 28 to 32 staves. These casks are commonly used in whisky aging due to their size, which offers a balanced interaction between the wood and the whisky. Hogsheads are often made by repurposing staves from smaller barrels, particularly American oak barrels used in the bourbon industry.
Your day begins with a visit to the renowned Speyside Cooperage, where you witness the craftsmanship of barrel-making for whisky. Immersed in tradition, you then head to the Royal Lochnagar Distillery near Balmoral Castle, where you enjoy a whisky tasting and learn about its production secrets.
Next, you explore Balmoral Castle, the royal family’s majestic estate, strolling through its gardens and grand interiors. Afterward, you journey to Edinburgh, where an elegant dinner at "The Dome" awaits, followed by a serene stroll through the Old Town. Your day concludes with a restful night at the Virgin Hotel on Victoria Street, where modern luxury meets historical charm.