SPIRIT BARRELS
MADE FROM
ACACIA

ACACIA WOOD (ROBINIA) –
THE ELEGANT ALTERNATIVE TO OAK BARRELS FOR SPIRIT MATURATION

WHAT IS ACACIA WOOD (ROBINIA)?
Commonly referred to as acacia, the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), also known as false acacia, is gaining popularity in the aging of premium spirits such as whisky, rum, and brandy. Known for its unique aroma profile, acacia wood barrels are now recognized as a compelling alternative to traditional oak casks.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF ACACIA WOOD FOR BARREL AGING

HIGH DENSITY AND HARDNESS
Acacia wood is exceptionally dense and durable. These characteristics allow for a slow and controlled flavor transfer, ideal for a gentle and balanced maturation process.

LOW TANNIN CONTENT
Compared to oak, Robinia contains significantly fewer tannins, resulting in a softer, less astringent profile that helps preserve the spirit’s natural character.

NATURAL WOOD SUGARS
Its moderate sugar content allows sweet, honey-like notes to develop during toasting, such as caramel and toffee, without overpowering the spirit.

FLAVOR PROFILE: HOW ACACIA WOOD INFLUENCES SPIRITS
Spirits matured in acacia barrels present a light, elegant and distinctly floral-fruity profile, different from conventional oak-aged distillates.

FLORAL NOTES
I Aromas reminiscent of acacia blossom, elderflower, and white flowers
I A bright, refreshing character

FRUITY NUANCES
I Subtle hints of apricot, peach, pear, or apple
I Adds a harmonious fruit layer to the base spirit

SWEET UNDERTONES
I Toasted wood sugars contribute flavors of honey, caramel, and syrup
I Less dominant than the vanilla often found in oak-aged spirits

MILD SPICE
I Gentle notes of white pepper, cinnamon, or nutmeg
I Provides balance and depth

COMMON AROMAS IN SPIRITS AGED IN ACACIA WOOD
I Floral: Acacia blossom, elderflower, white flowers
I Fruity: Apricot, peach, pear, appleSweet: Honey, toffee, caramelized sugar
I Spicy: Subtle notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, white pepper

MATURATION IMPACT: AGEING TIME AND TOASTING LEVEL

AGEING DURATION
Thanks to its dense grain, acacia releases flavor slowly, making it suitable for both short and long maturation periods depending on the desired intensity of floral and fruity notes.

TOASTING & CHARRING
I Light Toast: Enhances floral and fruity freshness
I Medium Toast: Develops sweet and caramelized layers
I Heavy Toast: Brings out roasted notes like toffee, honey, and warm spice

ACACIA VS. OAK – AROMATIC COMPARISON

VS. AMERICAN WHITE OAK
I Less vanilla and coconut
I More floral and fruity aromas

VS. EUROPEAN OAK
I Softer and less tannic
I Fresher with a more elegant aroma profile

APPLICATIONS OF ACACIA WOOD BARRELS IN SPIRIT MATURATION

WHISKY
Adds floral brightness and fruity elegance to rich, malty bases.

RUM
Creates a well-balanced profile with refined sweetness and soft spice.

BRANDY
Benefits from acacia’s gentle floral and fruity complexity.

CONCLUSION: ACACIA WOOD – A DISTINCTIVE CHOICE FOR DISTINCTIVE SPIRITS
Acacia barrels offer an innovative and refined alternative to oak casks. With their unique combination of floral freshness, fruity lightness, mild sweetness, and gentle spice, they are ideal for distillers seeking a more delicate, nuanced flavor profile. Perfect for modern craft spirits with character and depth.

PRODUCTION
France/Italy/Slovenia

WOOD
Slovenia/Hungary

SIZES
40 l - 600 l

TOASTING
Light/Medium/Medium+/Heavy