Can Bourbon Be Toasted and Charred? Exploring a Flavorful Twist

Noah Kurz

Mar 21, 2025 — 2 min read

We all know bourbon’s signature taste comes from aging in new charred oak barrels—it’s a non-negotiable rule that sets it apart from other spirits. But here’s a curveball: many of us have sipped a phenomenal toasted bourbon and loved it. So, can a bourbon barrel be both toasted and charred to combine the best of both worlds? I had to dig into this, and the answer might surprise you.

Yes, Toasted and Charred Bourbon Is a Thing—and It’s Delicious

The short answer? Absolutely, it’s possible—and more common than I expected. Here’s how it works: distilleries start by toasting the barrel, a slow, low-heat process that caramelizes the wood’s sugars and draws out deep, rich flavors. (Not sure what toasting involves? Check out my detailed article on the process here.) Once that’s done, they char the barrel, giving it that quick, fiery finish you’d expect from traditional bourbon aging. The result? A barrel that’s prepped to impart a complex, layered flavor to the spirit.

What Does Toasted and Charred Bourbon Taste Like?

This dual process creates something special. The toasting brings out sweet vanilla and smooth caramel notes, while the charring adds that classic bourbon depth—think smoky, woody undertones with a touch of spice. It’s a winning combo that delivers unique, standout flavors you won’t find in a standard charred-only bourbon. Brands like Maker’s Mark 46 and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked have popularized this approach, proving it’s a trend worth exploring.

How to Find Your Perfect Toasted and Charred Bourbon

If you stumble across a toasted and charred bourbon you love, dig into the distillery’s process—it could unlock a shortcut to finding other bottles with similar profiles. Knowing whether they leaned heavier on the toast or char can help you spot great-value bourbons that match your taste. And when you find a winner, don’t keep it to yourself—rate it on the world’s best whiskey app, NEAT: Whiskey Finder!, to share the love with your bourbon crew.

So, have you tried a toasted and charred bourbon yet? It’s a flavor adventure worth taking. Let me know your favorite in NEAT: Whiskey Finder—I’d love to hear about it!

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