Whisky Barrel Charring, Choosing Horizontal or Vertical Charring

Rejuvenation of poorly performing whisky barrels is proving to be a very cost effective process for the Scotch Whisky Industry.

In addition, the modern re-charring process has evolved to a level of technology beyond that traditionally experienced by distillers.
Finely controlled Charring, or Toasting and Charring can now be achieved in the same heat treatment operation to provide new and exciting flavor profiles.

With regard to different Charring options, the whisky industry generally uses either Vertical or Horizontal methods and different equipment is used for each of these. This information sheet describes some of the pros and cons for these processes.

Vertical Charring from Pot Burners is the old traditionally favoured method, but we have developed Horizontal Charring to a high technology level and this provides several benefits for cooperages and distillers. Burner selection and control of gas/ air mix are absolutely critical to ensure correct combustion within the barrel.

* Horizontal Charring is more efficient. It uses less energy and puts more heat into the barrel.
* Horizontal Charring is time saving and reduces labour costs as it can be carried out with only 1 end removed.
* Vertical charring requires both ends to be removed.
* Horizontal Charring achieves a much more uniform heat profile across the cask, whereas Vertical Charring creates a temperature gradient from top to bottom.
* Horizontal Toasting is more uniform and provides much better control.
* Horizontal Charring permits Toasting and Charring to be combined at the same operation
* Horizontal Charring provides more accurate temperature control as our high tech IR sensor measures temperature at the wood surface.

You can also find out more about Whisky Barrel Rejuvenation by clicking here