Whiskey barrels have a specific char and toast level. The level of toast and char has a significant impact on flavor imparted from the cask to the whiskey. Toasting occurs when the flame doesn’t actually touch the wood. It releases simple sugars in the wood fibers that caramelize and release desirable flavors. Charring occurs when the wood is burned. It filters out undesirable flavors but doesn’t add much, if any, flavor to the whiskey. At Wanderback we prefer a new oak barrel with high toast and low char, read why here.