Cask

/kæsk/ noun

Definition

A large wooden barrel or container, usually used to store liquids like wine, beer, or whiskey.

Etymology

From Spanish 'casco' meaning 'helmet' or 'barrel,' which likely came from Latin 'quassare' meaning 'to break' or 'to crack.' The barrel meaning makes sense because wooden casks are made by bending and cracking wood into shape.

Kelly Says

Casks are still used to age whiskey and wine because the wood slowly absorbs and releases flavors over years—wooden casks are so important to whiskey that scotch distilleries actually buy expensive used casks to add vanilla and caramel notes, making the container as valuable as the spirit inside.

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