A cask number is the unique identifier assigned to a specific whisky cask. It is used by distilleries, warehouses, and bottlers to track and record all details about that cask throughout its life. For whisky drinkers and collectors, the cask number provides provenance and transparency, particularly for single cask and limited-edition bottlings.
The Definition of a Cask Number
In Scotch whisky production, every cask filled with spirit receives a distinct number or code. This number is recorded in the warehouse ledger along with other important details such as fill date, spirit type, cask type, and location in the warehouse. The cask number ensures accurate record-keeping for both legal compliance and inventory management.
When a whisky is bottled as a single cask release, the cask number is typically printed on the label, allowing buyers to trace the exact barrel from which their bottle came.
A Brief History
The practice of numbering casks goes back to the early days of regulated whisky production, when written records were required to track excise duty. In the bonded warehouse system introduced in the 19th century, accurate cask identification was essential for ensuring that the correct duties were paid when the whisky left bond.
Today, cask numbering is a legal requirement for whisky maturation in Scotland, and detailed records are maintained both for taxation and for quality control.
How Cask Numbers Are Assigned
The numbering system varies between distilleries and warehouses. Some use sequential numbering based on the order of filling, while others use a code that incorporates the year of filling, batch number, or cask type. For example:
12345 – A simple sequential number.
1998/250 – Indicates the 250th cask filled in 1998.
Cask 45/SH – The 45th cask in a batch, matured in a sherry cask.
In some cases, a cask number may be accompanied by a warehouse location code, which helps staff locate it among thousands of other barrels.
Why Cask Numbers Matter
Provenance – Confirms the specific barrel that produced the whisky.
Transparency – Allows drinkers to trace production details and compare different casks from the same distillery.
Collectability – Single cask bottlings with known cask numbers are often prized by collectors.
Quality Tracking – Enables distillers to monitor how individual casks are maturing.
Notable Uses in Whisky Bottling
Single Cask Bottlings – Always list the cask number to show the whisky came from one specific barrel.
Limited Editions – May list cask numbers to indicate the range of casks used in a small batch.
Independent Bottlings – Often display detailed cask information, including number, type, and fill date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every bottle have a cask number?
No. Only single cask or small batch releases usually list it. Core range whiskies from multiple casks generally do not.
Can two casks have the same number?
Not within the same distillery or warehouse system, but different distilleries may use the same number independently.
Does a cask number tell you the whisky’s age?
Not directly, unless the numbering system includes the year of filling.
Conclusion
A cask number is the whisky equivalent of a serial number, providing a unique identity for each barrel. It ensures accurate record-keeping, helps trace a whisky’s history, and adds authenticity to single cask releases. For enthusiasts, knowing the cask number offers a direct connection to the very barrel their dram came from.