cask
Rejuvenated cask
No legal definition
An exhausted cask returned to activity by physically removing the spent inner surface — shaving or scraping — and re-toasting or re-charring the fresh wood beneath.
Not a legal term
No whisky regulation in Scotland, Ireland, the United States, the EU or Japan defines this. It is a trade or marketing term, so it is only actionable if its use is actively misleading.
Often confused with virgin oak
A rejuvenated cask still contains wood that has already given up much of its extractables and absorbed previous contents deep into the staves. The exposed layer is fresh; the cask is not new.
Worth knowing
Lawful for Scotch, which regulates only species, capacity and location. Not lawful for bourbon or most US straight whiskies, which require charred new oak.
Related terms
Last reviewed 2026-07-30 · All glossary terms