What makes some whiskey taste rich, smooth, and full of character, while others fall flat? It all comes down to the aging process.
At our Full Throttle Distillery in Deadwood, we take pride in doing things the right way, from the moment we fill the barrel to the day we bottle it. Barrel aging is where the flavor comes to life!
Here’s a look at how our barrel-aged whiskey is made, why it’s different, and what you’re actually drinking when you take a sip.
What Is Barrel-Aged Whiskey?
Barrel-aging means letting whiskey rest in charred oak barrels over time. That time gives it flavor, color, and smoothness. Right out of the still, whiskey is strong and clear. After months or years in a barrel, it turns golden, picks up rich notes, and becomes smoother.
Some producers rush through aging or water down their process. At Full Throttle, we take our time and let the spirit tell us when it’s ready. We’re not aiming for mass production, we’re focused on quality that shows in every bottle.
How We Do It at Full Throttle
We start with oak barrels, where the whiskey starts to pick up color and mellow out. With time, flavors get deeper. You’ll taste oak, caramel, toasted notes, and some spice. The longer it ages, the more depth it has. Then, barrels are bottled straight, with no water added. That’s what we call cask strength: rich, bold, and full of flavor.
Common Questions from Visitors
How long is your whiskey aged?
Some barrels are perfect after two years, while others take longer. We judge based on flavor, not a fixed timeline.
Does longer aging always mean better taste?
It depends on the barrel, the spirit, and the conditions. More time isn’t always the answer.
What makes cask strength special?
It’s bottled straight from the barrel. You get all the flavor, no dilution. It’s strong, but if you like bold whiskey, it’s worth it.
What’s different about your whiskey compared to larger brands?
We make ours in small batches with attention to detail. Every bottle is handcrafted by people who genuinely care about the process, from grain to glass.
When you know how the whiskey was made, you taste it differently. You notice the little things, the smoothness, the color. More than just a drink, it’s something you can enjoy and share with family, friends, or guests.
Plan a Tasting or Group Event
If you’re visiting Deadwood or planning something special, Full Throttle is ready:
- Tasting flights featuring our aged and unaged spirits
- Private group bookings
- Gift cards for visitors or locals
We keep things relaxed and real. No need to be an expert, just come ready to try something good.
We’re always aging something new. Want to hear when a new bottle’s ready? Sign up for our newsletter at the end of our contact page and be the first to know.
In case you’re wondering…
What does “char level” mean?
It’s how much the inside of the barrel is burned. That burn adds taste, like smoke, spice, or caramel, and helps smooth out the spirit.
Can you taste the difference between young and aged whiskey?
Yes. Younger whiskey is lighter and sharper. Older whiskey is smoother and has more depth. You’ll notice it right away.
