If you’re a bourbon enthusiast or just love the complex, smoky aroma of a well-aged whiskey, you may have heard the term “Char No. 4” before. But what exactly does it mean—and why is it so important to the flavor, color, and character of your favorite spirits?
Understanding Barrel Char Levels in Bourbon Production
When bourbon is aged, it’s not just the type of barrel that matters—it’s how that barrel is treated. In particular, the inside of new American oak barrels is burned or “charred” before being filled with unaged spirit. This process not only sterilizes the wood but also activates natural sugars and compounds that influence the flavor of the bourbon over time.
There are four primary levels of barrel char, with Char No. 1 being the lightest and Char No. 4—often called “alligator char”—being the most intense. Each level adds a different depth of flavor, aroma, and complexity to the final product.
🔥 What Makes Char No. 4 Unique?
Char No. 4 barrels are charred for approximately 55 seconds, creating a deeply blackened, cracked interior that resembles alligator skin. This intense charring:
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Penetrates deeper into the oak, allowing bourbon to extract more vanillins, caramel notes, and smoky richness.
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Enhances the dark amber color and full-bodied mouthfeel.
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Creates a robust, smoky and toasted character that whiskey lovers crave.
This level of char is favored by many Kentucky distilleries, especially for bold and full-flavored bourbons. The result is a spirit with deep complexity—notes of oak, spice, smoke, and toffee, with just a hint of charcoal edge.
🌿 Char and Sustainability: Reusing the Barrel
Another interesting fact? Once a Char No. 4 barrel has aged bourbon, it’s often reused for aging other spirits like Scotch, rum, and even tequila, infusing those beverages with a touch of American whiskey’s signature boldness. It’s a beautiful cycle of reuse—just like our own mission at Wixology.
🕯️ Introducing Our New Scent: Char No. 4 by Wixology Candle Company
Inspired by the boldness of bourbon’s Char No. 4 barrel, we’ve captured its essence in our new candle scent—Char No. 4.
This hand-poured candle delivers an intoxicating blend of fire-kissed caramel, smoked oak, and warm spice—evoking the same rich character found in a well-aged bourbon. And of course, once the wax has burned down, you’re left with a stylish, reusable cocktail glass. Sip and savor sustainably.
Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or simply love a candle with story and soul, Char No. 4 is your next signature scent.