NEOC stands for ‘New Era of Casks’ and we are the first and only Scotch whisky company to use this new technique of enhancing aged casks to enrich our exceptional single malts.
The NEOC process
The NEOC process takes place in Cognac, conducted by specialist Cooper ASC. It’s a bit like re-char de-char. But, NEOC is even better at producing exceptional results.
Expert coopers dismantle the finest available casks. The barrel staves are finely shaved to expose the deeply ingrained seasoning that earlier fillings simply couldn’t reach.
The cask is then reassembled and gently ‘toasted’ by fire, for 45 minutes, which is a longer toasting time than traditional re-char/de-char. The charring process creates an ‘active’ layer of toasted oak with new, rich flavour compounds.
We then decant our whisky from their first fill casks into these special NEOC casks. The refilled casks are left for 6 to 12 months during which the whisky is enriched and takes on new flavour profiles.
New Era Of Casks
Exceptional whiskies
Our whisky masters check and taste the liquid periodically to ensure the end result is exceptional and to determine when it’s ready to bottle.
Our first NEOC expression launch was our Glenrothes 15 YO which is now a three times Gold Medal winner.
Spiritfilled will continue to experiment with the NEOC process with new and unusual casks.
Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to keep up to date with our new NEOC expressions.
We will be making a video in the new year and will let you know when it’s available to watch this process in action.
"Spiritfilled's New Era of Casks process squeezes every ounce of flavour out of the wood, flavour which then goes straight into making truly outstanding Scotch whiskies."
- Ed Leigh, Independent Whisky Expert, writing about our NEOC process
"Gentle, yielding mouthfeel, like silk draped across the tongue, toasted, barbecue notes gradually emerge spanning the palate, and as the barbecue notes intensify juicy, citrus top notes appear, and continue with creamy vanilla and caramel, above a base layer of dry oak and digestive biscuit maltyness."
- Ian Wisniewski, Spirits Writer and Broadcaster, reviewing Caol Ila 12 Year Old
"Rich and creamy butterscotch with candied dried fruit and a light hint of fresh green apples. A confident hit of orchard fruit, stewed apples and manuka honey with a hint of spices. A long and elegant finish offering subtle citrus notes."
- Lisa McWilliam, Spirits Writer and Great Taste Spirit Judge, reviewing our Ardlair 11 Year Old.
Our NEOC whiskies
