Casks

/kæsks/ noun

Definition

Large wooden barrels or containers used for storing and aging liquids like wine, whiskey, or beer.

Etymology

From Spanish 'casco' meaning 'helmet' or 'wooden vessel,' which came from Latin 'quassus' meaning 'broken' or 'shattered'—because barrels are made from staved wood.

Kelly Says

The flavor of whiskey depends hugely on what cask it aged in—even a cask that previously held sherry or rum will add distinct flavors, which is why distillers carefully track and reuse their wooden barrels like precious treasures.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.