SPIRIT BARRELS
MADE FROM
SPANISH OAK

Spanish oak is gaining recognition as a premium wood for maturing spirits such as whisky, brandy, and sherry. Known for its coarse grain, high tannin content, and complex phenolic structure, Spanish oak imparts rich, spicy, and deeply structured aromas to matured spirits. Sourced from northern Spain – including Galicia, Cantabria, and the Basque Country – this oak type thrives in diverse microclimates that influence its sensory expression.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF SPANISH OAK

COARSE GRAIN STRUCTURE
Spanish oak has a more open grain than American or French oak, enhancing the interaction between spirit and wood. This allows for faster flavor extraction and deeper complexity.

HIGH TANNIN & PHENOLIC CONTENT
Compared to American oak, Spanish oak delivers significantly higher levels of tannins and phenols. This results in a bold, structured maturation with intense spice and depth.

REGIONAL DIVERSITY
Due to its varied growing regions, Spanish oak exhibits a broad range of aromatic profiles, which can be further fine-tuned by toasting and maturation length.

AROMATIC PROFILE OF SPANISH OAK BARRELS

WOOD & SPICE
Clove, nutmeg, black pepper, and eucalyptus are signature notes, alongside a robust oak backbone.

FRUITY NUANCES
Expect rich aromas of dried fruits like raisins, figs, and plums. Depending on the spirit, hints of citrus or apple may also appear.

SWEET & TOASTED FLAVORS
Toasting introduces layers of honey, toffee, dark chocolate, and at higher levels, a subtle smokiness.

STRUCTURE & TANNINS
The high tannin content contributes to a firm mouthfeel, long finish, and powerful texture.

TYPICAL AROMAS IN SPANISH OAK-MATURED SPIRITS
I Fruity: Raisins, figs, dark cherries
I Spicy: Clove, nutmeg, pepper
I Woody: Bold, structured oak
I Toasted: Toffee, cocoa, roasted nuts
I Floral: Subtle herbal or blossom notes

MATURATION & TOASTING IMPACT
I Light Toast: Highlights fruity and woody notes
I Medium Toast: Brings out spice and toasty complexity
I Heavy Toast: Adds depth with smoke, dark chocolate, and roasted character

As the spirit ages, the bold tannins mellow, creating a balanced and layered aroma profile.

SPANISH OAK VS. OTHER OAK TYPES
I VS. American Oak - Spanish oak is less sweet and vanilla-driven, offering more spice, structure, and dry fruit complexity.

I VS. French Oak - While French oak leans elegant and subtle, Spanish oak is bolder and more expressive, with strong wood and fruit character.

SPANISH OAK FOR SPIRIT MATURATION
New Spanish oak barrels are ideal for distillers seeking expressive, full-bodied maturation with character. The coarse grain and high tannin content make them perfect for first fills and deep flavor development in:

WHISKY
Provides intense oak notes, rich dried fruit, chocolate, and spice. Perfect for full-bodied single malts and limited-edition expressions.

BRANDY
Enhances brandy with depth, structure, and a balanced blend of fruit, oak, and sweetness.

RUM
Highlights molasses and fruit tones, while adding layers of caramel, roasted nuts, and warm spice – great for dark or aged rums.

SPANISH OAK – A POWERFUL ALTERNATIVE FOR PREMIUM SPIRITS
Spanish oak barrels offer a distinctive, bold alternative to American and French oak. Their spice-driven complexity, rich wood character, and fruity intensity make them the ideal choice for distilleries that value authenticity, structure, and long-lasting flavor. Whether for whisky, brandy, or rum, Spanish oak delivers unforgettable maturation with Mediterranean soul.

In addition to our popular Spanish oak barrels, OAKBARRELS.SHOP offers a diverse selection of spirit barrels made from other oak species and aromatic specialty woods. Each wood type brings its own unique sensory characteristics, enabling targeted flavor development during the barrel aging of whisky, rum, brandy, fruit spirits, or liqueurs.

OUR BARREL WOOD OPTIONS AT A GLANCE
Explore distinctive alternatives for customized maturation strategies:

I French Limousin Oak – fine-grained, spicy, with elegant tannin structure
I Carpathian Oak – fruity, mineral-rich, with complex body
I Hungarian Oak – subtly smoky, aromatic, and well-balanced
I Japanese Mizunara Oak – exotic, floral, with oriental depth
I Danish Oak – earthy, wood-forward, with Nordic character
I Acacia Wood (Robinia) – floral, fruity, with mild sweetness
I Ash Wood – clean, fresh, with subtle spice notes
I Chestnut Wood – nutty, sweet-spicy, with bold oak expression
I Cherry Wood – fruity and sweet, with marzipan and almond tones
I Mulberry Wood – intensely fruity, sweet, and exotically aromatic

These specialty woods open up new possibilities for creative aging and custom flavor profiles – ideal for traditional distilleries, craft producers, and innovative small-batch projects.

NEW AMERICAN BOURBON BARRELS
Exclusively at OAKBARRELS.SHOP: authentic new bourbon barrels made from American white oak, crafted by the renowned Speyside Bourbon Cooperage in Kentucky. These heavily charred barrels deliver classic bourbon flavors like vanilla, caramel, and coconut – perfect for whisky, rum, and other premium spirits.

SEASONED OAK BARRELS WITH CHARACTER
In our used barrel category, you’ll find a wide selection of oak casks previously filled with red wine, white wine, port, sweet wine, or other spirits. These barrels are ideal for complex finishing, multi-layered flavor development, and enhanced depth in spirit maturation.