So, if you have done any looking at the Bourbon on the shelves, and read the labels, you will have most likely noticed that some labels say it is "Toasted". Which brings up the questions, what the hell does that mean? And does it matter?
Here's how I heard it explained by Paul McLaughlin of Kelvin Cooperage on the Bourbon Pursuit podcast;
Charring is an extractive layer. Charring extracts some of the undesirable flavors you get from a new barrel. Charring does that extractive work and gives the whiskey it's color. It allows the whiskey to go in and out of the wood through the seasons.
Toasting is an additive layer. The toasting layer adds nice sweet oak flavors (think nutty, almond, campfire, toasted marshmallow). It also helps fill it out in the mouth.
So, now that we have a basic description of the difference between the two and what they do, the next question is does it matter? Keep in mind that for any whiskey to be called Bourbon, it has to touch a new, charred oak container. So, every Bourbon is going to be in a charred oak container. That's a given. And, you can pretty much guarantee that all whiskey is hitting a charred oak container as well (unless it’s a white whiskey, moonshine, etc.).
From what Paul McLaughlin said, it's an additive layer. Knowing that it adds more sweetness and oaky notes (nutty, almond, toasted marshmallow) You now know what to look for. Now I have had many toasted bourbons, and I like them. I do taste a sweeter profile and get that toasted marshmallow and almond often.
But I also know that many people don't like it, and are tired of the whole "toasted" craze. Many Bourbons are doing some kind of toasting and pushing it out into the market.
Whether you like the extra flavor notes or not, or are just tired of the whole "toasted" craze, just like anything in Bourbon, it's all up to your taste and what you like. I suggest if you have a favorite brand, and they have a toasted expression, then try it and see if you like it. It likely will cost a little more and only you can answer if it's worth that extra cost.
If you don't like it in one of your favorite brands, you probably won't like it in any other brands. Save your money and spend it on something else. However, if you dig it, then you just opened up a new category for you to explore.
Personally, I like the toasted Bourbons. I like the extra sweetness that comes in the Bourbon. It's a personal preference. Of course, I put cream and sugar in my coffee. The other producers on the show look at me in disgust and give me a hard time about it. I keep reminding them, it's how I stay such a "sweet" guy.
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