Char level refers to the specific amount of time that distillers char the barrels used in bourbon production. Charring the barrels is an important step in the whiskey-making process as it imparts unique flavors and characteristics to the spirit as it ages.
When it comes to barrel charring, there are different levels or degrees of char that can be applied. These different char levels are determined by the amount of time the inside of the barrel is exposed to an open flame. The longer the exposure, the deeper the charring and the more pronounced the flavor profile of the bourbon.
The char levels are typically categorized from level 1 to level 4, with level 1 being the lightest char and level 4 being the heaviest. Each char level has its own distinct impact on the aging process and the final flavor of the bourbon.
At the lower end of the spectrum, level 1 char is achieved by exposing the inside of the barrel to an open flame for around 15 seconds. This light char level allows for a more subtle interaction between the whiskey and the wood, resulting in a softer and smoother flavor profile. The charred layer is thin and doesn't penetrate deep into the wood, allowing the flavors to develop more slowly.
Moving up to level 2 char, the exposure time is increased to around 25 seconds. This slightly longer exposure creates a deeper char layer, which can lead to more intense flavors being extracted from the wood. The bourbon aged in level 2 charred barrels may have a richer and more robust character compared to level 1.
Level 3 char, with an exposure time of around 35 seconds, takes the charring process a step further. The longer exposure time results in a thicker and more pronounced char layer, which contributes to a more intense and complex flavor profile in the bourbon. The deeper penetration of the charred layer allows for greater interaction between the whiskey and the wood, leading to a more rapid development of flavors.
There is level 4 char, also known as “alligator char,” which involves exposing the inside of the barrel to an open flame for approximately 55 seconds. This heavy char level creates a deep and heavily charred layer, resembling the texture of alligator skin. The intense charring leads to a significant extraction of flavors from the wood, resulting in a bourbon with bold and robust characteristics. The flavors developed in level 4 charred barrels can be quite pronounced and may include notes of caramel, vanilla, and smokiness.
It's important to note that the choice of char level is a deliberate decision made by the distillers based on the desired flavor profile they want to achieve in their bourbon. Different distilleries may opt for different char levels to create their own unique expressions of the spirit.
In my experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste bourbons aged in barrels with varying char levels. It's fascinating to see how the level of charring can greatly influence the flavor profile of the whiskey. Lighter char levels tend to produce smoother and more delicate bourbons, while heavier char levels result in bolder and more intense flavors. It's all about finding the right balance and achieving the desired taste that represents the distillery's style and vision.
Barrel char level refers to the specific amount of time that distillers char the barrels in bourbon production. The different char levels, ranging from level 1 to level 4, determine the depth of the charred layer and subsequently impact the flavor profile of the bourbon. Each char level brings its own unique set of flavors and characteristics, allowing distillers to create a wide range of bourbon expressions.