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NEW SPIRIT BARRELS FROM SELECTED WOODS – FOR MAXIMUM AROMATIC DIVERSITY
Our new spirit barrels are crafted from a precisely curated selection of premium woods – each wood species offering its own unique aromas and maturation characteristics. We use only high-quality, hand-selected materials, including:
French, American, Spanish, Hungarian, Danish, Carpathian, and Slovenian oak, the rare Japanese Mizunara oak, Mongolian oak, and other distinctive hardwoods such as acacia, ash, pear, chestnut, cherry, mulberry, amburana, and balsa wood.
Each new barrel for distillates adds its own signature to the spirit's flavor profile – from smooth vanilla and caramel notes to floral, spicy, or fruit-forward nuances. This wide variety of woods allows distilleries and spirit producers to create truly customized aging experiences and complex, high-quality flavor profiles.
NEW BARRELS FOR SPIRITS – HANDCRAFTED QUALITY FROM EUROPE AND THE USA
Our new spirit barrels are exclusively produced in our network of specialized cooperages located in France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, and the USA. Here, traditional barrel-making craftsmanship is seamlessly combined with advanced production technology – ensuring top-tier quality, durability, and ideal aging conditions.
With in-depth expertise in spirit maturation, each barrel is custom-built to meet the demands of modern distillers. These casks serve as powerful tools in developing distinctive aromas and elevating the overall quality of your final product.
YOUR ADVANTAGES:
I Wide variety of wood types for tailored aging strategies
I Perfect for new product development and small-batch maturation
I Precision craftsmanship from leading cooperages in Europe and the U.S.
CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY, TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP, NEW PREMIUM BOURBON BARRELS
Speyside Bourbon Cooperage has stood for excellence in barrel production since 1947 and is now recognized worldwide as a leading supplier of high-quality new bourbon barrels. What began as a traditional cooperage has evolved into a modern enterprise that seamlessly blends time-honored craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology in the production of premium aging barrels.
Decades of expertise are evident in every detail – from careful wood selection to precision joinery. Through close collaboration with international distilleries and spirit producers, in-depth knowledge of barrel design, wood sourcing, toasting, and charring techniques is infused into every cask. The result: custom-built barrels engineered to meet the highest aging standards.
Every new bourbon barrel from Speyside Bourbon Cooperage is a meticulously crafted aging vessel. From shaping the staves to perfectly calibrated toasting, each production step is overseen by experienced coopers and enhanced by advanced manufacturing systems. Yet, the spirit of traditional barrel-making remains at the core of every creation.
These barrels are designed to deliver excellence in every drop. They provide optimal conditions for the maturation of bourbon, whiskey, and other fine spirits – significantly influencing the flavor, character, and quality of the final product.
EXCLUSIVE WOOD AND PREMIUM CASKS FOR YOUR SPIRITS
Choosing the right barrel wood is essential for defining the aromatic profile and maturation quality of high-end spirits. Among the most prestigious options is French Limousin oak, one of the finest and most sought-after woods for crafting new distillation barrels. Grown in the dense forests of central France, Limousin oak is known for its coarse grain structure and high levels of tannins and aromatic compounds – ideal for intensive spirit aging.
Its naturally open-pored structure allows for a dynamic oxygen exchange between wood and spirit. This promotes both color development and the formation of a complex, characterful aroma spectrum. Typical notes include vanilla, spice, delicate toasted accents, and elegant wood tones – lending the spirit depth, warmth, and a distinctive sensory identity.
Our premium barrels made from Limousin oak are crafted with precision and traditional cooperage expertise. Each cask reflects decades of experience and is tailored to meet the specific requirements of today’s distillers – whether for cognac, whisky, fruit brandies, or innovative craft spirit projects.
A new distillation barrel made from Limousin oak offers more than just aging potential – it imparts true character and individuality. This is where premium natural materials, expert craftsmanship, and aromatic depth come together – for spirits with personality.
AMERICAN OAK – EUROPEAN CRAFTSMANSHIP
American white oak (Quercus alba) is one of the most important and respected woods in the world for crafting new aging barrels, particularly prized for maturing fine spirits. Native to the eastern United States, this oak is known for its medium to large pore structure, high tannin content, and a naturally high concentration of vanillin. These qualities give spirits a warm, complex, and balanced flavor profile during maturation – with notes ranging from vanilla and caramel to coconut, honey, and gentle toasted aromas. Its relatively dense structure enables slow, controlled oxidation, supporting a smooth and even aging process.
Our new American white oak barrels are handcrafted in our European cooperages, where traditional barrel-making expertise meets premium raw materials from the U.S. This fusion of American oak and European craftsmanship unlocks the full potential of this exceptional wood. From natural air-drying and precise stave cutting to custom toasting, every step is handled by experienced coopers to ensure the highest quality standards.
The result: durable, high-performance casks that excel in both visual appeal and sensory impact. Ideal for aging whisky, rum, brandy, and modern craft spirits, these barrels deliver consistency, character, and aromatic richness. For distillers seeking a barrel that combines depth, reliability, and craftsmanship, American oak with European precision is an outstanding choice.
SUSTAINABLE OAKS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES
In the densely forested Carpathian region, where harsh climates slow the natural growth of trees, oak wood of exceptional quality develops over time. From these sustainably managed forests comes the timber for our cost-effective spirit barrels, offering a unique blend of character, origin, and environmental responsibility. Selective harvesting is conducted under strict forestry standards, ensuring resource-conscious use and consistently high quality.
Carpathian oak features a fine to medium pore structure, allowing for a well-balanced exchange between wood and spirit during maturation. Its natural aromatic profile is especially noteworthy: subtle wood notes, mild spice, and gentle sweetness combine with elegant depth to create a refined flavor experience in the finished product. This oak is ideal for aging a variety of spirits – including fruit brandy, whisky, and craft distillates.
Our new Carpathian oak barrels unite sustainable sourcing with excellent performance and aromatic complexity, all at a compelling price-to-quality ratio. They are an excellent choice for distilleries that prioritize quality without compromising on cost-efficiency. A versatile cask for distinctive aging processes and expressive spirits with a sustainable signature.
EXPRESSIVE BARRELS FOR CHARACTERFUL SPIRITS
Our premium barrels made from Spanish oak are sourced from the northern forest regions of Spain, where oak trees grow slowly and densely due to the region’s unique climatic conditions. This slow growth results in a highly structured wood, comparable to French oak, but with a distinct aromatic profile that unfolds uniquely during barrel aging.
Spanish oak is known for its bold, dry flavor profile. Unlike the sweet, warm tones of American oak, it imparts earthy, spicy, and deep aromas to the spirit. Its tannin structure is noticeable yet well-balanced – ideal for distillers who want to add complexity and structure without masking the spirit’s natural fruit notes. This wood is particularly well-suited for aging intense fruit brandies, robust rums, and bold whiskies, where a strong, character-driven wood influence is desired.
Our new Spanish oak barrels are handcrafted with the utmost precision by skilled coopers. From stave selection and air-drying to custom toasting, each barrel is made with expert attention to detail. The result is a long-lasting, high-performance aging vessel that delivers expressive, nuanced flavors – ideal for spirits with depth, elegance, and distinct identity.
TRADITION AND DEPTH FOR YOUR SPIRITS
Hungarian oak (Quercus petraea), native to the vast forests of the Carpathian Basin, has been a trusted material in traditional cooperage for centuries. While originally used for aging wine, it is now increasingly recognized in the world of spirit maturation as a sustainable and aromatically complex alternative to French or American oak. Its slow growth results in a fine-grained, tight-pored structure that allows for gentle micro-oxidation and precise flavor integration – the perfect conditions for aging high-quality distillates.
Compared to American oak, Hungarian oak offers a less sweet but more complex aromatic profile. Typical flavor notes include dried herbs, subtle spices, nutty tones, and delicate wood character. Its tannin structure is noticeable yet restrained, lending spirits depth, structure, and elegance without overpowering their core attributes. These qualities make it especially attractive to distilleries seeking refined and differentiated barrel profiles.
Our new Hungarian oak barrels are crafted from sustainably sourced wood under strict forestry standards. Each barrel is made with expert craftsmanship, including long natural air-drying, custom toasting, and precise assembly by skilled coopers – ensuring consistent quality tailored to the needs of today’s distillers.
Whether for fruit brandy, whisky, or innovative craft spirits, barrels made from Hungarian oak offer a flavor-rich, sustainable solution for producers who value individuality, complexity, and high standards.
JAPAN’S RARE TREASURES FOR EXCEPTIONAL SPIRITS
Mizunara oak (Quercus mongolica var. crispula) is one of the rarest and most exclusive woods in international cooperage – highly prized for its extraordinary aromatic profile and extremely limited availability. This precious barrel wood grows slowly in the cool, humid mountain regions of Japan, especially on Hokkaidō, and requires many decades to reach the size and quality necessary for crafting high-end aging barrels. But it’s not just the growth that takes time – natural drying and the complex handling of the wood also make each Mizunara cask a rare, artisanal masterpiece.
Mizunara oak is highly porous and has a naturally higher moisture content, making it a challenging material to work with. Prone to cracking and difficult to shape, the wood demands great precision, patience, and expertise. Combined with limited harvesting and labor-intensive craftsmanship, every Mizunara barrel is a unique and valuable item of the highest quality.
What truly sets Mizunara apart is its distinctive flavor profile. Typical aromas include sandalwood, coconut, exotic spices, incense, and a hint of aromatic woods. These nuanced flavors evolve beautifully over time, lending the spirit a refined, Eastern-inspired elegance. While originally rooted in Japanese whisky-making, Mizunara oak barrels are now sought after by distilleries worldwide looking to create spirits with depth, uniqueness, and cultural character.
Whether used for whisky, rum, or experimental craft spirits, a Mizunara cask is far more than a vessel for aging – it represents artisanal excellence, patience, and the deep cultural heritage of Japanese barrel-making.
EXCLUSIVITY IN COOPERAGE AND A CHARACTERFUL RARITY
Danish oak barrels rank among the rarest and most exclusive aging casks in the world – a true insider's choice for distilleries that value individuality and exceptional flavor profiles. Danish oak is considered a rarity in cooperage: available only in limited quantities, difficult to source, and processed by only a handful of skilled coopers. Its origin alone makes it a highly coveted material for high-end barrel production.
Harvested from the cool, wind-swept regions of Denmark, this oak develops a dense, resilient structure due to slow-growing conditions. It imparts distinctive spicy, slightly earthy aromas to the spirit, often accompanied by refined tannins and a touch of rustic elegance. The tannins are noticeable yet well integrated – perfect for spirits that aim for complexity and depth, without sacrificing harmony.
Due to its limited availability and selective forestry practices, every Danish oak barrel is a unique piece. Its production demands meticulous craftsmanship – from precise stave cutting to slow, natural drying and custom toasting designed to match specific flavor development goals. Each cask is tailored to meet the expectations of today’s innovative distillers.
Danish oak casks are ideal for creative aging projects, where exclusivity and sensory expression are key. Whether used for whisky, fruit brandy, or experimental craft spirits, this wood brings unmistakable character, richness, and a unique Nordic identity to every drop.
EXPRESSIVE SPIRIT BARRELS MADE FROM ACACIA WOOD
Acacia wood is considered one of the most intriguing alternatives in modern barrel making – valued not only for its rich color and density, but especially for its distinct aromatic influence on spirit maturation. As a hard, fine-pored wood, acacia allows for controlled micro-oxidation and supports a slow, even aging process. Its signature golden to honey-colored tone often carries over into the finished spirit – a unique visual and sensory hallmark.
The aromatic profile of acacia wood is particularly captivating: it offers intense, spicy notes such as pepper, cinnamon, herbs, and a subtle balsamic nuance. This complex flavor character makes acacia barrels an excellent tool for distilleries aiming to explore new dimensions of aroma. Unlike oak barrels, acacia casks impart distinct sensory impressions even after short maturation periods – making them ideal for fast-moving, high-quality products.
Our acacia spirit barrels are handcrafted using traditional cooperage methods and are suitable for a wide range of spirits – including fruit brandies, rum, gin, and innovative craft distillates. They add depth, expression, and a signature character that clearly sets them apart from traditional oak-aged spirits. At the same time, acacia barrels offer economic advantages, as their impact is noticeable even with shorter aging cycles – a major benefit for modern, flexible maturation strategies.
AROMATIC WOOD BARRELS FOR DISTINCTIVE SPIRITS
Pear wood barrels are among the rarest types of aging casks and offer a truly unparalleled maturation experience for discerning distilleries. With its fine grain and dense structure, pear wood is not only visually striking – featuring a warm, reddish-brown hue – but also delivers a unique sensory impact. Its naturally sweet, fruity aroma imparts an elegant note to the spirit, setting it apart from more traditional woods like oak or chestnut. Pear wood casks release delicate fruit tones, mild spices, and a hint of almond – ideal for spirits where refinement and complexity take center stage.
These gentle yet clearly defined flavors make pear barrels especially suitable for aging fruit brandies and experimental craft spirits, where subtle wood influence is desired. Thanks to its low tannin content, pear wood doesn’t overpower the distillate – instead, it enhances and refines it, making it an excellent choice for distillers seeking to combine character with elegance.
The wood used in our pear barrels is sourced from carefully selected, slow-grown forests. After a long, natural drying phase, it is processed in our specialized cooperages with exceptional precision and craftsmanship – from expert stave cutting to custom toasting. The result is a high-performance aging barrel that meets the highest technical and sensory standards.
Pear wood barrels are the perfect choice for distillers looking to enrich their spirits with refinement, individuality, and a touch of sophistication – a rare and exclusive alternative for creating signature, character-driven spirits.
A UNIQUE MATERIAL FOR EXPRESSIVE SPIRIT BARRELS
Ash wood is one of the lesser-known yet technically fascinating materials in modern cooperage – a true standout among alternative barrel woods. With its light, yellowish to pale reddish-white tone, ash barrels offer a visually appealing natural aesthetic and sense of refinement. The wood is dense, fine-pored, and slightly elastic – properties that support even micro-oxidation and provide ideal conditions for gentle, controlled spirit maturation.
Native to many parts of Europe, our ash wood is sourced exclusively from certified, sustainably managed forests and carefully selected based on strict quality criteria. After a long, natural air-drying period, the wood is prepared specifically for barrel-making, ensuring consistent quality and eco-conscious production practices.
Unlike more dominant woods such as oak or chestnut, ash wood imparts only subtle flavor influences. It carries no strong inherent aroma, allowing the spirit’s true character to shine. This understated profile makes ash barrels ideal for fruit brandies, clear grain spirits, and aged gin, where purity, finesse, and natural expression are paramount.
Our ash wood spirit barrels are handcrafted with precision and a deep understanding of this unique material. Each cask is thoughtfully designed to support elegant, structured, and balanced flavor development. For distilleries seeking to explore subtle yet effective aging solutions, ash wood offers a quiet strength – a refined and distinctive choice in the world of premium aging barrels.
EXCEPTIONAL BARRELS FOR YOUR SPIRITS
Chestnut wood is one of the most exciting alternatives in modern barrel making – a noble, medium-weight wood with a truly unique sensory character. Its distinctive structure and naturally lightly sweet aroma profile make it an excellent choice for aging spirits with depth and complexity. Once primarily used for fruit brandies, chestnut barrels are now gaining popularity for whisky, rum, gin, and innovative craft spirits.
With its medium density and fine pore structure, chestnut wood allows for gentle and even micro-oxidation, ensuring slow, harmonious maturation. These barrels impart subtle notes of honey, dried fruits, vanilla, marzipan, and soft toasted accents – all while preserving the original character of the spirit. The wood influence remains refined, enhancing structure and depth without dominating the profile. Fruit brandies, in particular, benefit from this interaction, with enhanced fruit notes and a soft, nuanced finish.
Our chestnut aging barrels are made from naturally air-dried, sustainably harvested wood. Each cask is handcrafted with great care and tailored to the specific needs of today’s distilleries – ensuring top-tier quality and distinctive flavor results.
A chestnut barrel is the perfect choice for producers looking to enrich their spirits with elegance, natural sweetness, and refined complexity – truly an exceptional cask for distinctive, high-quality distillates.
FRUIT-FORWARD AROMATICS FOR DISTINCTIVE SPIRITS
Cherry wood barrels – typically crafted from wild cherry (Prunus avium) or sweet cherry – are a rare but highly effective choice in cooperage. They offer distilleries a unique opportunity to impart fruit-forward, finely nuanced flavor profiles to their spirits. With its medium density and moderately porous structure, cherry wood supports balanced micro-oxidation, allowing the spirit to mature harmoniously while preserving its original character.
Cherry wood is renowned for its naturally fruity sweetness, combined with berry-like, slightly tart notes, hints of almond and red fruits, and a gentle wood undertone. This complex sensory profile adds freshness, depth, and vibrancy to the spirit – especially in fruit brandies, where the wood elegantly enhances the natural fruit aromas. However, whisky, grappa, brandy, and aged gins also benefit from cherry casks, gaining character without overpowering the base spirit.
Our cherry wood aging barrels are made exclusively from high-quality, sustainably sourced European wood. After a long, natural drying process, the wood is carefully crafted in our specialized cooperages to retain its full aromatic potential and deliver optimal performance during aging.
Cherry wood barrels are an exceptional choice for distilleries aiming to create spirits with a unique, fruit-driven signature – ideal for those blending traditional maturation techniques with innovative flavor development to explore new sensory territory.
AROMATIC WOOD FOR SUPERIOR BARREL QUALITY
Mulberry wood is one of the rarest and most aromatic materials used in international barrel making. Valued for its intense flavor influence and striking appearance, it is especially sought after by distilleries aiming to give their spirits a distinctive and refined maturation profile. As a true rarity in cooperage, mulberry barrels are appreciated for the depth, finesse, and exclusivity they impart to the final product.
The wood has a medium to firm density, a fine pore structure, and is known for its exceptional ability to release aroma. Its visual impact is just as impressive: spirits aged in mulberry casks develop a rich golden to amber hue – a premium visual feature that complements the barrel’s complex aromatic influence. Flavor notes typically range from sweet honey, dried fruits, and vanilla to floral undertones and exotic spices. The result is a spirit with warmth, elegance, and a touch of Mediterranean character.
Our mulberry wood barrels are made exclusively from sustainably harvested wood under strict forestry standards. Every stage of production – from long-term air drying and custom toasting to precision assembly – is carefully aligned with the unique properties of this extraordinary wood.
Mulberry barrels are ideal for distilleries that aim to stand out through sensory sophistication, high quality, and bold individuality. They represent true craftsmanship, a strong identity, and an expressive barrel profile that transforms every spirit into something remarkable.
COMBINING DIFFERENT WOODS FOR UNIQUE AROMATIC PROFILES
Our hybrid spirit barrels open up entirely new possibilities for distilleries seeking creative barrel aging solutions. What sets these barrels apart is the intentional combination of different types of wood – typically trusted oaks like French or American oak, paired with character-rich alternatives such as acacia, chestnut, or cherry wood. This refined fusion brings together the structure and stability of oak with the aromatic diversity of rare woods – resulting in spirits with depth, complexity, and a truly distinctive flavor profile.
In a hybrid barrel, individual components – such as staves or heads – are crafted from different wood species. This creates a dynamic interaction of flavor influences: oak contributes structure, tannins, and classic notes like vanilla and toast, while woods like acacia, chestnut, or cherry add fruity, spicy, or floral nuances. The result is a sensory spectrum that goes far beyond the capabilities of a single-wood barrel.
Our hybrid barrels are crafted in close collaboration with experienced coopers who understand both the technical and sensory behavior of each wood type. Every barrel is custom-designed to match the spirit, aging conditions, and desired flavor profile. For innovative distilleries, hybrid casks are a powerful tool for flavor differentiation and profile refinement.
Whether you're aging whisky, rum, grappa, gin, or premium fruit brandies, a hybrid barrel represents sensory precision, innovation, and a bold step beyond the conventional. For those looking to redefine traditional aging, this multi-wood solution is the key to truly exceptional results.