Ex-rye casks are American White Oak barrels that have previously been used to age – you guessed it – Rye.
The combination of the wood characteristics of the American White Oak and the residual Rye left in the staves from the previous maturation adds depth and complexity to the whisky. Rye barrels impart a spicier, more robust flavour to the whisky, with notes of pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. The oak also adds vanilla, caramel and toffee flavours. The whisky will be bolder, more intense and have more complexity than whisky aged in a standard ex–bourbon barrel.
