Independent Bottlers and Coopers of Distinction. by "Patrice Villeger"

With the festive season upon us, many of us will indulge with a glass of Port Wine or two... 2 kind of port stand out and the main difference between tawny port and ruby port lies in their aging process, color, flavor profile, and texture: 1. Aging Process Ruby Port: Aged for a shorter time (typically 2-3 years) in large stainless steel or concrete tanks, which minimizes oxidation and preserves its bright, fresh character. Tawny Port: Aged for longer periods in smaller wooden barrels, allowing gradual oxidation and evaporation. This process mellows the wine and imparts nutty, caramelized flavors. 2. Color Ruby Port: Retains its deep red or "ruby" color due to minimal oxidation during aging. Tawny Port: Develops a lighter, amber-brown hue as a result of prolonged oxidation. 3. Flavor Profile Ruby Port: Fruity flavors dominate, such as blackcurrant, cherry, and plum. It has a fresher and more vibrant taste. Tawny Port: Displays complex flavors of caramel, nuts, dried fruits, and toffee, with a smooth and velvety texture. 4. Texture Ruby Port: Often full-bodied with a bold, youthful intensity. Tawny Port: Smoother and more delicate due to the extended aging process. 5. Serving Recommendations Ruby Port: Pairs well with dark chocolate, strong cheeses, or berry-based desserts. Tawny Port: Complements nut-based desserts, caramel dishes, and lighter cheeses, or can be enjoyed as a dessert on its own. In short, ruby port is youthful and fruit-forward, while tawny port is aged, nuanced, and complex. If you are a spirit distillery looking for good, aging barrels with known origin, please, give us a shot. patrice@artandcask.com In the meanwhile Merry Xmas...

With the festive season upon us, many of us will indulge with a glass of Port Wine or two... 2 kind of port stand out and the main difference between tawny port and ruby port lies in their aging process, color, flavor profile, and texture: 1. Aging Process Ruby Port: Aged for a shorter time (typically 2-3 years) in large stainless steel or concrete tanks, which minimizes oxidation and preserves its bright, fresh character. Tawny Port: Aged for longer periods in smaller wooden barrels, allowing gradual oxidation and evaporation. This process mellows the wine and imparts nutty, caramelized flavors. 2. Color Ruby Port: Retains its deep red or "ruby" color due to minimal oxidation during aging. Tawny Port: Develops a lighter, amber-brown hue as a result of prolonged oxidation. 3. Flavor Profile Ruby Port: Fruity flavors dominate, such as blackcurrant, cherry, and plum. It has a fresher and more vibrant taste. Tawny Port: Displays complex flavors of caramel, nuts, dried fruits, and toffee, with a smooth and velvety texture. 4. Texture Ruby Port: Often full-bodied with a bold, youthful intensity. Tawny Port: Smoother and more delicate due to the extended aging process. 5. Serving Recommendations Ruby Port: Pairs well with dark chocolate, strong cheeses, or berry-based desserts. Tawny Port: Complements nut-based desserts, caramel dishes, and lighter cheeses, or can be enjoyed as a dessert on its own. In short, ruby port is youthful and fruit-forward, while tawny port is aged, nuanced, and complex. If you are a spirit distillery looking for good, aging barrels with known origin, please, give us a shot. patrice@artandcask.com In the meanwhile Merry Xmas...

Pre-Phylloxera: A Unique Story in Every Barrel We’ve just received a dozen pre-phylloxera barrels from a renowned winery in Gascony. These barrels once held red wine made primarily from Tannat grapes, along with a few other resilient survivors of the phylloxera era. But why is "pre-phylloxera" so special? Phylloxera is a pest that devastated European vineyards in the 19th century, forcing winemakers to replant their vines using resistant American rootstocks. This changed the characteristics of many wines. Pre-phylloxera vines, however, are rare treasures, embodying a pure expression of terroir and craftsmanship that predates this transformation. And what about our whiskies? These extraordinary barrels, infused with rich, tannic red wines, offer a rare finishing opportunity for whisky. Tannat, known for its bold notes of dark fruits, spices, and robust structure, will lend unparalleled depth and a distinctive character to each drop. At Art and Cask, we are proud of the richness of terroir and the history preserved in every barrel. These pre-phylloxera barrels are not just relics of the past—they’re the artisans shaping the future of maturation. #ArtAndCask #PrePhylloxera #UniqueBarrel #WhiskyFinish #Terroir #Tannat #ExceptionalMaturation

Barrels That Inspire Exceptional Spirits At Art and Cask, we are thrilled to offer a limited selection of premium barrels, meticulously prepared to bring unparalleled character to your spirits: 200 x 250L American White Oak Barrels Seasoned with Pedro Ximénez (PX) for 13 months. Each barrel retains 5 liters of fragrant PX for that extra touch of richness. Tasting Notes (1 Year of Aging) Whisky: Notes of dried figs, raisins, and velvety toffee, layered with a lingering nutty finish. Rum: Hints of dark chocolate, candied orange, and a whisper of spice, wrapped in luscious sweetness. Also Available: Sauternes Barrels: Perfect for imparting tropical fruit, honey, and floral notes. Pacherenc du Vic Bilh Barrels: Infuse your spirits with hints of apricot, citrus zest, and gentle spice. Pineau des Charentes Barrels: Bring out vibrant notes of red berries, caramel, and vanilla. These barrels are ideal for discerning distilleries looking to craft unforgettable spirits. Unbeatable prices, ex-France. Delivery worldwide. Don’t miss out on these beauties! 📩 Contact us now to secure your barrels and transform your next batch into something extraordinary. patrice@artandcask.com #ArtAndCask #PXBarrels #SpiritInnovation #BarrelAging

"The Vin Santo di Montepulciano 2001 (375 millilitres) is a divine and wonderfully delicious sweet blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia and Grechetto. The result is very concentrated and boiled down to a delicious reduction sauce. There are so many flavours to list, but among the most obvious are candied orange peel, almond marzipan, caramel, roasted coffee beans, vanilla bean, mocha, dark honey and fragrant yellow roses. The mouthfeel is creamy, rich and layered. Compared to the Occhio di Pernice, I recommend a slightly shorter drinking window here. But, the truth is: I have no idea. I'm pretty sure these wines will outlive anyone who has reached legal drinking age." Wine Advocate Grape Variety: Malvasia and Trebbiano Cultivation: conventional Expansion: 10 years caratelli barrel Vegan: yes Filtration: yes Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol Serving temperature: 12‑14 °C Storage potential: 2030 Closure: natural corks Total extract: 423,50 g/l Total acidity: 6,65 g/l Residual sugar: 363 g/l Sulfite: 63 mg/l pH value: 3,84 For distillers looking at a Sauternes alternative what do you think of 363g/l of residual sugar??? 100 barrels available, with certificate of provenance and left with liquid inside for transportation purposes. florence@artandcask.com

ART AND CASK – DISTILLATEUR ET EMBOUTEILLEUR INDÉPENDANT Chez Art and Cask, nous sommes fiers de notre double expertise : distillateurs et embouteilleurs indépendants de whiskies, rhums et autres spiritueux d’exception. Cette indépendance nous permet une liberté créative totale pour exprimer toute la richesse et la diversité des saveurs que nous proposons. Whiskies : Single casks rares, finitions inédites, et collaborations avec des distilleries prestigieuses. Rhum : Rhums arrangés exotiques ou fûts de grandes origines sublimés par des finitions uniques. Autres spiritueux : Apéritifs artisanaux comme notre Mandarine Royale, et projets sur-mesure pour répondre à toutes les envies. Notre approche repose sur trois piliers : Sélection rigoureuse des matières premières et des fûts (bourbon, vin santo, châtaignier, stout, etc.). Maturation et finition sur-mesure, adaptées à chaque terroir et à chaque profil aromatique. Créativité sans limite, pour offrir des expériences gustatives authentiques et audacieuses. En tant que créateurs de saveurs, nous repoussons les frontières de l’innovation pour proposer des spiritueux qui surprennent, enchantent et racontent une histoire unique. Envie de découvrir notre univers ? Rejoignez notre aventure et explorez des spiritueux d’exception, signés Art and Cask. #ArtAndCask #Spiritueux #Whisky #Rhum #EmbouteilleurIndépendant

Rare Opportunity: 6 Empty Fondillón Barrels Available for Your Next Exceptional Spirit At Art and Cask, we take pride in offering our partners exceptional barrels, and today we’re excited to announce a particularly rare opportunity: 6 empty Fondillón barrels from Spain are available. What is Fondillón? It’s one of Spain’s hidden treasures, a natural sweet wine exclusively produced in Alicante, aged for a minimum of 10 years without any fortification. These barrels carry a rich history, infused with aromas of dried fruits, nuts, and balsamic undertones. Why are these barrels so special? Absolute rarity: Very few producers continue this centuries-old tradition. Aromatic complexity: These barrels impart unique flavors that elevate spirits like whisky, rum, or brandy. Mediterranean character: They bring the warmth and richness of southern Spain, ideal for premium finishes. A unique chance to innovate: If you're looking to create a standout product, these barrels are an opportunity not to be missed. Reach out to us for more information. At Art and Cask, we’re here to help you craft exceptional spirits. florence@artandcask.com

Rare Opportunity: 6 Empty Fondillón Barrels Available for Your Next Exceptional Spirit At Art and Cask, we take pride in offering our partners exceptional barrels, and today we’re excited to announce a particularly rare opportunity: 6 empty Fondillón barrels from Spain are available. What is Fondillón? It’s one of Spain’s hidden treasures, a natural sweet wine exclusively produced in Alicante, aged for a minimum of 10 years without any fortification. These barrels carry a rich history, infused with aromas of dried fruits, nuts, and balsamic undertones. Why are these barrels so special? Absolute rarity: Very few producers continue this centuries-old tradition. Aromatic complexity: These barrels impart unique flavors that elevate spirits like whisky, rum, or brandy. Mediterranean character: They bring the warmth and richness of southern Spain, ideal for premium finishes. A unique chance to innovate: If you're looking to create a standout product, these barrels are an opportunity not to be missed. Reach out to us for more information. At Art and Cask, we’re here to help you craft exceptional spirits. florence@artandcask.com

Distilleries of the World: Discover Rare French Barrels for Your Spirits. At Art and Cask, we offer an unmatched selection of rare and exclusive barrels from our trusted French partners. Why choose us? Exceptional origins: Barrels from prestigious Châteaux, rare sweet wine casks, and more. Freshly emptied: Always moist, with lees left inside upon request to enhance flavor profiles. Guaranteed quality: Every barrel is carefully chosen to bring out the best in your maturation or finishing process. Transform your whiskies, rums, or other spirits with the unique character of French or other countries like Spain,italy.... barrels. Contact us today to explore our available barrels and craft spirits with unmatched depth and complexity. patrice@artandcask.com #BarrelExperts #ArtAndCask #FrenchBarrels #RareCasks #SpiritMaturation

Terroir in Scotch Whisky: Myth or Reality?" In the world of whisky, terroir—a concept often reserved for wine—has become a buzzword sparking lively debates among enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Does the land, climate, and local environment truly leave an imprint on the spirit? Or is it just a marketing ploy? What Is Terroir in Whisky? Traditionally, Scotch whisky has been celebrated for its regional distinctions—Highlands, Islay, Speyside..... but does this equate to terroir? In its purest form, terroir refers trhow soil, weather, and local microclimates influence the raw ingredients. For whisky, this could manifest in the barley's growth, the water source, or even the peat used for malting. Recent experiments, like single-estate malts or trials in biodynamic barley, suggest that terroir could add a unique fingerprint. But is this effect truly distinguishable after fermentation, distillation, and years in oak barrels? Scotch whisky is more than the sum of its parts. While the raw ingredients—barley, water, and yeast—may carry the influence of terroir, maturation in oak barrels plays an outsized role in defining the final flavor. A single cask of American oak or European Pinot noir barrel can transform the spirit, potentially masking or enhancing its origins. Yet, some argue that terroir remains the foundation, shaping the spirit before maturation begins. Is this something we, as whisky lovers, can taste and measure? Why This Matters Today As sustainability and local sourcing take center stage, the idea of terroir aligns with broader consumer values. Distilleries focusing on local grains, water sources, and even locally grown peat are not only reducing environmental impact but also creating whiskies that tell a story—of place, tradition, and innovation. As professionals, enthusiasts, and producers, how do you see terroir in Scotch whisky? Do you think terroir influences the final product, or is it overpowered by other factors? Can terroir be quantified, or is it more of a romanticized concept? Do single-origin malts pave the way for a terroir-driven future, or will barrel selection always dominate? The concept of terroir in Scotch whisky is as elusive as it is fascinating. But one thing is clear: it challenges us to think about whisky as more than just a crafted product. It invites us to consider the land, the people, and the stories that shape every bottle.