Cask strength意思

"Cask strength" is a term used in the context of whiskey (or whisky) production to describe a spirit that has been bottled directly from the cask without any dilution. In other words, it refers to the whiskey in its most concentrated form, at the same strength at which it was aged in the barrel.

Typically, when whiskey is matured in oak casks, it absorbs water from the wood and evaporates over time. This process, known as the "angel's share," results in a slightly lower alcohol content in the whiskey. Cask strength whiskey is bottled at whatever alcohol by volume (ABV) it naturally reaches in the cask, which can range from around 50% ABV to over 70% ABV, depending on the whiskey and the conditions in which it was aged.

Cask strength whiskeys are often considered by enthusiasts to be more robust and full of character, as they are not diluted with water before bottling. This means that the flavors and aromas of the whiskey are more concentrated, and the drinker experiences the whiskey as it was intended by the distiller.

It's important to note that cask strength whiskey is usually consumed by sipping it neat or with a small amount of water to open up the flavors. Because of its high alcohol content, it is not typically mixed with other beverages in cocktails, although some bartenders do experiment with cask strength whiskeys in mixed drinks.