Barrel (200 L)

200 L American Standard Barrel (ASB) is the typical barrel used for storing bourbon. The barrel holds about 200 liters (roughly 53 American gallons) and is usually made from new American white oak (Quercus alba). Internally it is usually charred to a degree that promotes high contact between the wood and the spirit. The relatively large surface area to volume ratio means that the wood's flavor compounds exchange quickly in the early years of maturation.

Flavor contributions and mechanisms: - Vanilla, caramel and sweetness often dominate in bourbon, where lignin is broken down into vanillin and other aromatic compounds. - Coconut- and nutty notes arise from lactones from the new oak. - The oak's toasted and roasted elements give notes of toasty wood, spices and a certain smokiness. - The barrel's size affects the development of color and tannins; the contact between spirit and wood is higher per volume than in larger barrels, which quickly creates depth and complexity in early maturation.

Usage and notes: - Bourbon is typically made exclusively in new barrels; old barrels are generally not reused for bourbon. - ASB barrels contribute noticeable sweetness and wood character in the early years of maturation and are therefore common in standard bourbon production.