Whisky and White Oak: A Match Made in Heaven (Episode 834: August 30, 2020)

There are hundreds, if not thousands of species of trees around the world. Why is White Oak – whether from America or Europe, the preferred wood to use for whisky barrels? What makes it so special, and how do we protect the resource for future generations of whisky lovers? Forestry scientist Tom Kimmerer, PhD. is one of the leading experts on White Oaks, and was a guest on our #HappyHour webcast earlier this month. The reaction was so positive that we’ve brought him back to discuss White Oaks and their preservation on this week’s WhiskyCast In-Depth. In the news, US-European trade talks on whiskies and other exports could be delayed by a Covid-19 scandal in Ireland, while that country’s pubs remain closed with no targeted opening date in sight. We’ll hear from Brent Elliott of Four Roses about this year’s Limited Edition Small Batch Bourbon and the rest of the week’s new whiskies, too.

Links: Kimmerer.com | The Macallan | Old Samuels Distillery | Four Roses | Blade & Bow | Classic Malts | Ardbeg | Douglas Laing & Co. | Mackmyra | Assouline | Waterford Distillery