FAQs – First Cut Barrel Co.

Is it whiskey or whisky?

Spelling depends on the spirit’s country of origin; American-produced varieties such as bourbon and rye, as well as the Irish spirit, use the “whiskey” spelling, whereas the spirit from Scotland, Canada, and Japan use “whisky” spelling. The difference also carries on into the plural. For ‘whiskey’, the plural is ‘whiskeys’. For ‘whisky’, it’s ‘whiskies’.

Where do you source your whiskey?

We are always on the hunt for the highest quality whiskey distillate. We currently source a majority of it from MGP in Indiana, which is renowned for it’s consistent quality. We also source from Kentucky distillers and others, depending on availability and client demand.

What are the specifications of the whiskey?

First Cut clients have the opportunity to customize ever detail of their barrel of whiskey, from barreling to bottling. At the bottling stage, clients can choose what proof to bottle at (we prefer barrel strength). All whiskey is non chill filtered before bottling to maintain the unique complexities provided by the fatty acids and lipids.

How do you choose your barrels?

We work with some of the top cooperages in the world to source only the finest, aged oak staves for our barrels. Each barrel is hand selected for quality.

What if I don't know anything about making whiskey?

Don’t worry! Most people don’t. Our world-renowned master distiller and blender is here to help you every step of the way.

Where is my custom whiskey barrel created and stored?

Every First Cut barrel of whiskey is fully customized to the client’s desired specifications, as well as aged to perfection, in our state-of-the-art rickhouse in Stamford, CT.

Our facility includes an exclusive lounge where First Cut clients can relax and unwind with pours of their own unique whiskey, or even lavish cocktails created by an experienced mixologist.

Can I visit the rickhouse and taste my barrel?

Yes! Included with every barrel purchase is a 100ml testing sample drawn from your barrel every three months.

Come on in to see how your barrel is doing! You can have a pour neat, or have one of our expert mixologists fix you an exclusive cocktail using your own private whiskey!

The rickhouse and First Cut tasting lounge are open to clients by appointment only. The tasting lounge is so comfortably decorated, you may never want to leave!

Additional testing samples are available for $15 each.

Are the rickhouse and tasting room open to the public?

No. As the de facto guardians of our clients’ barrels, our facilities are fully secure and private to ensure quality control.

Clients are permitted to brings guests by appointment only.

What if i cant make it in person?

Want to taste your private barrel, but can’t make it in person? Not to worry! We can ship your samples to you!

How long should whiskey age in the barrel?

As it ages, the taste profile of the whiskey evolves. A young whiskey may have a significant ethanol burn, while a very old whiskey may taste like a piece of wood. The goal is to hit the sweet spot in the middle. That is why First Cut has created a comfortable, inviting space for clients to keep coming back to taste their barrel as the whiskey evolves over time. By request, we can also send out samples periodically if the client can’t make it in-person.

Can I sell my barrel if i don't want to bottle it for myself?

Over the past ten years, prices for whiskey barrels have appreciated over 13% per year on average, depending on the distillery and age. In fact, it has outpaced nearly every other asset category.

If you don’t want to bottle your private barrel, but prefer to sell it, First Cut can legally serve as a barrel broker to facilitate the sale.

Is this three tier compliant?

Yes!

In the United States all whiskey production falls under the three tier system whereby every distillery must receive a federal license before production can begin. Upon receiving the license the distillery must comply with strict laws governing distillation, storage, transportation and bottling of all spirits. Every barrel purchased by our clients must continue to be stored at our licensed facility while aging until bottling.

Do you work with retailers, restaurants, and private groups?