The Wood

The individual characteristics of a malt whisky are influenced by a number of different factors. These include the variety and quality of malted barley used, the water source, and the design and operation of the still. However, much of the flavour – and the final colour – depends on the type of wooden barrels used for maturation.

About Dr. Jim Swan
Our consultant, Dr Jim Swan, is not only one the world’s finest Master Distillers, but is the world authority on wood management.

As with many distilleries, our malt whisky is initially aged in ex-bourbon oak barrels. In our case, no expense is spared in sourcing the finest barrels available, which come only from the best Tennessee and Kentucky distilleries. A high proportion begin life at Buffalo Trace, which is widely recognised as one of the finest bourbons in the world and is well known for using the best barrels in the industry.  Buffalo Trace itself has won numerous awards. We also use barrels from Evan Williams, which are similarly of outstanding quality. They bring great provenance, too. Evan Williams himself came from Wales and was one of the founders of the American Bourbon industry.