single barrel

1. A term used to designate spirits that come from a single barrel, as opposed to being blended from multiple barrels of multiple ages. Ideally, this results in unique qualities and less adulteration in the final product, and single barrel spirits are often valued for their idiosyncracies (as compared to spirits that blend multiple barrels, which tend to maintain a more consistent flavor profile between batches). This is not a formally regulated label, however, so it can’t always be trusted that spirits labeled “single barrel” truly come from only one barrel. Single barrel can be used to describe any spirit, but is most commonly used for bourbon, rye, and scotch.

Also known as: single cask