NEOC casks
WHAT IS A NEOC CASK?
Guest author: Alexandre Sakon, Founder of ASC Barrels
A NEOC (New Era Of Cask) is a style of rejuvenated wine cask we developed in Bordeaux, after years working with some of the regions most respected wineries.
Why Was The NEOC Created?
Creating the NEOC was fundamentally about recognising the finite nature of our resources. Having spent a lifetime in the wine industry, I witnessed first-hand the burgeoning demand for oak from the whisky sector, particularly with the rise of independent distilleries in North America during the 2010s. This surge underscored the limited supply of quality oak, sparking a realisation about the broader implications of resource scarcity. It wasn't just about ecology initially, but about the sustainability of our industry itself.
Driven by this awareness, I aimed to introduce a creative element to meet the needs of a new wave of distilleries that were constantly seeking innovative ingredients to expand the flavour horizons of whisky. I was convinced that the industry was approaching the challenge backwards by focusing primarily on aromatic diversity. Instead, I believed that by enhancing the structural quality – specifically through the quality of wood – we could fundamentally improve the aromatic profile of the whisky. It was about focusing on quality over quantity, ensuring that each cask not only contributed to the sustainability of our practices but also enriched the sensory experience of the final product.
NEOC thus represents both a response to resource limitation and a commitment to enhancing whisky through superior craftsmanship and innovative use of traditional materials.
The ASC Barrels’ Approach
At ASC Barrels, we believe the cask should serve as a companion to whisky during its maturation and refinement, so that when served, it reveals the distiller’s craftsmanship. This conviction led us to eschew imposing a standard cask model. Instead, we strive to understand the unique characteristics of each client's whisky before it even enters the barrel. This understanding allows us to offer customised barrels that truly reflect and enhance the distinct personality of each spirit.
Our standard process includes meticulously hand-planing each stave, reconstructing the barrel to an 'as new' condition, and applying a controlled heat treatment to the heart of the barrel which we modulate depending on our client’s need and identity. Much like a Michelin-starred chef who insists on the finest and freshest ingredients for their recipes, we believe the essence of our barrels lies not just in the manufacturing process but in the careful selection of these ingredients: the wood and the barrels.
Leveraging our quarter-century of expertise in producing and distributing fine wines globally, we possess a full understanding of selecting the perfect barrel at the ideal moment from the finest cellars. This meticulous approach ensures that from the tree to the glass, every element aligns to deliver unparalleled quality to our clients.
Despite our original vision, which was pioneering in its approach and unlike anything done before, and despite all the expertise we've accumulated on our path towards progress, we still encounter surprises every day and remain in a state of constant evolution.
Additional Technical Explanation
Recent research into the interaction between wood and spirits underscores that the degradation of phenolic compounds in wood should primarily provide qualitative support for the development of aromas, rather than focusing solely on creating molecular aromatic effects. Essentially, our goal is to build a solid olfactory support that allows for the complex development of whisky aromas.
Our Relationship With Cooper King Distillery
The partnership between ASC Barrels and Cooper King Distillery exemplifies a shared passion for innovation in whisky production. Inspired by their journey to Tasmania, Cooper King’s founders, Abbie and Chris, returned to England determined to create exceptional spirits. When Alex, founder of ASC Barrels, met them, he heard the story of a couple whose love for whisky led them to study the art of distillation globally before bringing their newfound knowledge back home.
Abbie and Chris’ initial request to Alex was for 110L NEOC barrels; these exacting standards challenged our company to produce high-quality small-format barrels, enhancing ASC Barrels’ expertise in this area. This relationship not only underscores the global nature of the whisky industry, where techniques and inspirations cross continents, but also highlights the commitment both companies share towards producing outstanding, distinctively crafted spirits.
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