SPIRIT BARRELS
MADE FROM
BALSA TREE

FINE, NEUTRAL AND INNOVATIVE

At OAKBARRELS.SHOP, we offer experimental barrels made from balsa wood (Ochroma pyramidale) – an extremely light, open-pored wood with subtle aromatic influence. Rarely used in spirit maturation, balsa opens new possibilities for distillers aiming to highlight purity and unmasked flavor profiles.

CHARACTERISTICS OF BALSA WOOD

EXTREMELY LIGHT AND POROUS
Balsa is one of the lightest woods in the world. Its open cell structure allows for a rapid oxygen exchange, which can accelerate the aging process in a delicate and controlled way.

NEUTRAL WOOD WITH LOW TANNIN CONTENT
With almost no tannins or extractive compounds, balsa’s influence on the spirit is exceptionally subtle—perfect for distillates where clarity and precision matter most.

MINIMAL FLAVOR IMPACT
Balsa wood contributes very little aroma or flavor, allowing the spirit’s original profile to remain pure and undisturbed.

AROMATIC INFLUENCE OF BALSA WOOD
Balsa is considered a refined, light wood with understated aromatic effects. It doesn’t dominate the spirit but subtly enhances it with gentle complexity.

FLORAL NOTES
Hints of white blossoms offer soft elegance..

MILD SWEETNESS
A restrained sweetness rounds out the palate.

HERBAL FRESHNESS
Light green or herbal notes bring freshness.

SUBTLE WOOD TONES
Pale, raw wood character with a natural feel.

CREAMY TEXTURE
Low tannins result in a smooth, rounded mouthfeel.

CLARITY & FINESSE
Ideal for distillates that demand purity and sophistication.

TYPICAL AROMA CHARACTERISTICS IN BALSA WOOD BARRELS
I Light Woody Touch – Clean notes of pale wood
I Neutral & Clear – No masking of the spirit’s character
I Gently Sweet – Possible soft, natural sweetness

AGING TIME & TOASTING EFFECTS
AGING TIME
Thanks to its high porosity, balsa allows for noticeable flavor development even over shorter aging periods – though always with finesse and restraint.

TOASTING LEVELS
I Light Toast: Highlights subtle wood and sweet nuances
I Medium Toast: May enhance creaminess and soft depth
I Heavy Toast: Not recommended due to balsa’s delicate structure

BALSA WOOD VS. OTHER BARREL WOODS
I Balsa vs. Oak – Far more neutral; no vanilla, tannin, or charred notes
I Balsa vs. Cherry/Acacia – Less fruity or floral; much more restrained
I Balsa vs. Chestnut – No bold tannins or sweetness; focused on clarity

IDEAL USES FOR BALSA WOOD BARRELS
I Fruit Brandies – Supports delicate fruit character without interference
I Gin – Enhances texture without altering botanical profiles
I Vodka – Adds subtle complexity while maintaining purity

CONCLUSION
Balsa wood barrels are an unusual yet exciting innovation for forward-thinking distilleries. They enable gentle, elegant maturation while preserving the integrity of the base spirit. A perfect choice for producers seeking clarity, finesse, and modern expression in their aging process.

PRODUCTION
France

WOOD
Brazil

SIZES
225 l

TOASTING
Light/Medium/Medium+/Heavy

CHARRING
1 - 4