What is the process called when the inside of the barrel is lightly burned?

Toasting is the process where the inside of the barrel is gently heated to enhance the wood's natural sugars and flavors, leading to a mellower and more nuanced whiskey. It involves applying a moderate heat to the interior wood, which can draw out certain flavor compounds without creating the intense char that comes from charring. This results in softer, aromatic notes that can complement the spirit being aged in the barrel.

While charring also involves burning the interior of the barrel, it is a more intense process that creates a charred layer that can introduce bolder flavors and contribute to the spirit’s overall color and character. Toasting, on the other hand, is specifically designed to develop the wood's complexity more delicately without generating as much caramelization or heavy smokiness.

Understanding the distinctions between toasting and charring is essential for appreciating how the barrel influences the aging of bourbon and other spirits, with each method leading to different flavor profiles.